Question

Which of the following chemical equations correctly balances the reaction: Fe(OH)3 -> Fe2O3 + H2O?

a) 4Fe(OH)3 -> 2Fe2O3 + 3H2O
b) 4Fe(OH)3 -> 2Fe2O3 + 6H2O
c) 2Fe(OH)3 -> Fe2O3 + 3H2O
d) 3Fe(OH)3 -> 3Fe2O3 + 3H2O

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of Fe(OH)₃ to Fe₂O₃ and H₂O is 4Fe(OH)₃ -> 2Fe₂O₃ + 6H2O.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct chemical equation that balances the reaction Fe(OH)₃ -> Fe₂O₃ + H₂O is a) 4Fe(OH)₃ -> 2Fe₂O₃ + 6H₂O. This can be determined by ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.

By balancing the atoms of iron (Fe), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H), option (a) maintains the principle of conservation of mass in a chemical reaction.