Identifying the Missing Component

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 132 views

Understanding the Problem

In chemistry, balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding the stoichiometry of a reaction. The given equations (1) and (2) represent two different reactions involving iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). The task is to determine which equation must be added to equation (1) to produce equation (2).

Equation (1)

The first equation is:

Fe_2O_3(s) \rightarrow 2Fe(s) + \frac{3}{2}O_2(g)

This equation represents the decomposition of iron(III) oxide into iron and oxygen gas.

Equation (2)

The second equation is:

Fe_2O_3(s) + 3CO(g) \rightarrow 2Fe(s) + 3CO_2(g)

This equation represents the reduction of iron(III) oxide with carbon monoxide to produce iron and carbon dioxide.

Analyzing the Equations

To determine which equation must be added to equation (1) to produce equation (2), we need to analyze the reactants and products of both equations.

Equation (1) has iron(III) oxide as the reactant and produces iron and oxygen gas as products.

Equation (2) has iron(III) oxide and carbon monoxide as reactants and produces iron and carbon dioxide as products.

Identifying the Missing Component

Comparing the two equations, we can see that equation (1) produces oxygen gas, while equation (2) produces carbon dioxide. To produce carbon dioxide, we need to add a component that will react with the oxygen gas produced in equation (1) to form carbon dioxide.

The Missing Component: Carbon Monoxide

The missing component that must be added to equation (1) to produce equation (2) is carbon monoxide (CO). When carbon monoxide reacts with the oxygen gas produced in equation (1), it forms carbon dioxide, which is the desired product in equation (2).

The Corrected Equation

The corrected equation that must be added to equation (1) to produce equation (2) is:

CO(g) + \frac{3}{2}O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g)

This equation represents the reaction between carbon monoxide and oxygen gas to form carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to produce equation (2) from equation (1), we need to add carbon monoxide (CO) to the reactants of equation (1). The corrected equation that must be added to equation (1) is:

CO(g) + \frac{3}{2}O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g)

This equation represents the reaction between carbon monoxide and oxygen gas to form carbon dioxide, which is the desired product in equation (2).

Balancing Chemical Equations: Tips and Tricks

Balancing chemical equations can be a challenging task, but with practice and patience, you can master it. Here are some tips and tricks to help you balance chemical equations:

Start by writing the unbalanced equation.
Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
Add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products to balance the equation.
Check the balanced equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

By following these tips and tricks, you can balance chemical equations with ease and confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When balancing chemical equations, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
Adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products without checking the balanced equation.
Not checking the balanced equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your balanced equation is accurate and reliable.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations? A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is crucial in understanding the stoichiometry of a reaction and predicting the amount of products formed.

Q: How do I start balancing a chemical equation? A: To start balancing a chemical equation, write the unbalanced equation and count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products to balance the equation.

Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations? A: The common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
Adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products without checking the balanced equation.
Not checking the balanced equation to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced? A: A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. You can check this by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Q: Can I balance a chemical equation by trial and error? A: While it is possible to balance a chemical equation by trial and error, it is not the most efficient or accurate method. Instead, use the step-by-step approach outlined in this article to ensure that your balanced equation is accurate and reliable.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products? A: To balance a chemical equation with multiple reactants and products, follow the same step-by-step approach outlined in this article. Start by writing the unbalanced equation and count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products to balance the equation.

Q: Can I use a calculator to balance a chemical equation? A: While a calculator can be useful in balancing a chemical equation, it is not a substitute for the step-by-step approach outlined in this article. Use the calculator to check your work and ensure that your balanced equation is accurate and reliable.

Q: How do I know if a balanced chemical equation is correct? A: A balanced chemical equation is correct if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. You can check this by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Q: Can I use a balanced chemical equation to predict the amount of products formed? A: Yes, a balanced chemical equation can be used to predict the amount of products formed. By using the coefficients in the balanced equation, you can calculate the amount of products formed based on the amount of reactants used.

Q: How do I use a balanced chemical equation to calculate the amount of products formed? A: To use a balanced chemical equation to calculate the amount of products formed, follow these steps:

Write the balanced chemical equation.
Identify the coefficients in the balanced equation.
Use the coefficients to calculate the amount of products formed based on the amount of reactants used.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding the stoichiometry of a reaction. By following the step-by-step approach outlined in this article, you can master the art of balancing chemical equations and avoid common mistakes. Remember to start by writing the unbalanced equation, count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides, and add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products to balance the equation. With practice and patience, you can become a pro at balancing chemical equations.