Answer this question about The Law of Conservation of Matter?

Question

4Fe + 3O2 ----> 2Fe2 O2

I think that's supposed to be the chemical reaction for rust. I tried to write it out as close as possible. Anyway, the reactants are supposed to be in the product, right? I see 4 iron elements but only 1 oxygen element on the product side. The reactant side had 3 of them so what's going on?

Answer 1

4 Fe + 3 O2 ----> 2 Fe2O3

4 atoms of Iron + 3 molecules of Oxygen (each with 2 atoms of Oxygen) yields 2 molecules of Iron (III) oxide (each of which has 2 atoms of Iron and 3 atoms of Oxygen).

Answer 2

You correctly note that the reaction isn't balanced. However, 4Fe + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3 is, and that gives ferric oxide, a common form of rust.

Answer 3

4Fe + 3O2 ----> 2Fe2O3.

It's the number of atoms that counts. Multiply the O atoms by the numbers before and after, and you will see that there are 6 on each side.

Answer 4

Fe + 02 = Fe203 Iron (III) oxide then balance. you have wrong equation.