Set up a system of equations, and use it to balance the chemical equation for the given reaction.
-$\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4}$ and $\mathrm{H}_{2}$ react to produce $\mathrm{Fe}$ and $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$.
A) $\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4}+4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{Fe}+3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
B) $\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{Fe}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
C) $\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4}+4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{Fe}+4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
D) $\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{Fe}+4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides. For $\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4} + \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightarrow \mathrm{Fe} + \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$, we start with 3 iron (Fe) atoms on the left, so we need 3 Fe atoms on the right. There are 4 oxygen (O) atoms on the left, requiring 4 H2O molecules on the right to balance the oxygen atoms, which in turn requires 4 H2 molecules on the left to provide the hydrogen atoms. Thus, the balanced equation is $\mathrm{Fe}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{4} + 4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightarrow 3 \mathrm{Fe} + 4 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$.

Set Up a System of Equations, and Use It to Balance