Question

Balance the equation Fe2O3 + H2SO4 → Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O.

What is the mole ratio of H2SO4 and H2O in the equation?
1:3
3:2
2:1
3:3

Answer 1

The mole ratio of H2SO4 and H2O in the equation = 3:3

Further explanation

Given

Reaction

Fe2O3 + H2SO4 → Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O

Required

Balanced equation

Solution

Fe₂O₃ + H₂SO₄ → Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + H₂O

• Give a coefficient

aFe₂O₃ + bH₂SO₄ → Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + cH₂O

• Make an equation

Fe, left = 2a, right=2⇒2a=2⇒a=1

S, left=b, right=3⇒b=3

H, left = 2b, right = 2c⇒2b=2c⇒2.3=2c⇒c=3

The equation becomes :

Fe₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂O