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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 108b

Write the balanced chemical equation for each reaction. b. Solid iron(III) oxide reacts with hydrogen gas to form solid iron and liquid water.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.
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Types of Chemical Reactions

The reaction described is a redox reaction, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. In this case, iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) is reduced to iron (Fe), while hydrogen gas (H2) is oxidized to water (H2O). Understanding the roles of oxidizing and reducing agents is crucial for identifying the changes in oxidation states during the reaction.
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States of Matter in Chemical Reactions

In chemical equations, the physical states of the reactants and products are indicated using symbols: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, and (g) for gas. This information is important for understanding the conditions under which the reaction occurs and can affect the reaction's feasibility and rate. In the given reaction, solid iron(III) oxide and hydrogen gas react to produce solid iron and liquid water.
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