Fe2O3 + H2SO4à Fe2 (SO4) 3 + H2O For this unbalanced chemical equation, what is the coefficient for water when the equation is balanced?

3

Explanation:

Put a 1 in front of the most complicated-looking formula [Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃]:

Fe₂O₃ + H₂SO₄ ⟶ 1Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃ + H₂O

Balance Fe:

Put a 1 in front of Fe₂O₃.

1Fe₂O₃ + H₂SO₄ ⟶ 1Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃ + H₂O

Balance S:

Put a 3 in front of H₂SO₄.

1Fe₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ ⟶ 1Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃ + H₂O

Balance O.

We have fixed 15 O on the left but only 12 O on the right. Put a 3 in front of H₂O.

1Fe₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ ⟶ 1Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃ + 3H₂O

Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced.

Check:

Atom On the left On the right

Fe 2 2

O 15 15

H 6 6

S 3 3

The balanced equation is

Fe₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ ⟶ Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃ + 3H₂O

The coefficient of H₂O is 3.