In the balanced chemical equation Fe + H_2O → FeO + H_2, how many atoms of hydrogen are present on the product side?

• A. 4
• B. 0
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write down the unbalanced chemical equation: \(\mathrm{Fe} + \mathrm{H_2O} \rightarrow \mathrm{FeO} + \mathrm{H_2}\).
2. Balance the chemical equation by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. Start by balancing iron (Fe), then oxygen (O), and finally hydrogen (H).
3. After balancing, identify the hydrogen-containing species on the product side. In this case, it is \(\mathrm{H_2}\).
4. Count the number of hydrogen atoms in the hydrogen molecule \(\mathrm{H_2}\). Since each molecule contains 2 hydrogen atoms, the total number of hydrogen atoms on the product side is 2.
5. Confirm that the equation is balanced and that the hydrogen atom count on the product side matches the balanced equation.