Iron in the form of fine wire burns in oxygen to form iron (III) oxide. Write the balanced chemical equation.
Answer (2)
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of iron with oxygen to form iron (III) oxide is 4 F e ( s ) + 3 O 2 ( g ) → 2 F e 2 O 3 ( s ) .
When iron reacts with oxygen, it forms iron (III) oxide through a combustion reaction. The fine wires of iron burn rapidly in the presence of oxygen to form this compound. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
4 F e ( s ) + 3 O 2 ( g ) → 2 F e 2 O 3 ( s )
Here, the iron (Fe) is in its elemental form and has an oxidation state of zero. When it reacts with oxygen ( O 2 ) , it forms iron (III) oxide ( F e 2 O 3 ) , where iron has an oxidation state of +3.
Iron reacts with oxygen to form iron (III) oxide according to the balanced equation 4 Fe + 3 O₂ → 2 Fe₂O₃. This illustrates a combustion reaction where iron is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to +3. The visual result of this reaction is often seen as rusting in everyday life.
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