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How many water molecules are required to react with three molecules of the iron atom to form Fe 3 O 4 ?
4
3
1
2
4
To form magnetic iron oxide (Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ) from iron (Fe) and water (H2тАЛO), the unbalanced chemical equation is 3Fe+4H2тАЛOтЖТFe3тАЛO4тАЛ+4H2тАЛ. Therefore, 4 molecules of water are required to react with 3 atoms (or moles) of iron.
To form magnetic iron oxide (Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ) from iron (Fe) and water (H2тАЛO), the unbalanced chemical equation is 3Fe+4H2тАЛOтЖТFe3тАЛO4тАЛ+4H2тАЛ. Therefore, 4 molecules of water are required to react with 3 atoms (or moles) of iron.
Think of building a complex Lego structure where 3 iron blocks combine with 4 water molecule kits to assemble one specific Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ castle, releasing 4 spare hydrogen building blocks.
Remember 'Iron and Steam make Magnetite and Hydrogen': 3+4тЖТ1+4.
3Fe_{(s)} + 4H_2O_{(g)} \rightarrow Fe_3O_4_{(s)} + 4H_2_{(g)} тАФ Balanced chemical equation for the formation of magnetic iron oxide
When steam is passed over hot iron, iron reacts with water to form magnetic iron oxide (ferrosoferric oxide, Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ) and hydrogen gas. Balancing the equation requires 3 iron atoms to react with 4 water molecules to yield one formula unit of Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ and 4 molecules of H2тАЛO.
Iron does not react with cold or hot water under normal conditions.
It reacts only with steam to form metal oxide and hydrogen gas.
Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ is a mixed oxide containing both FeO and Fe2тАЛO3тАЛ.
Balancing the equation requires adjusting coefficients to ensure mass conservation on both sides.
Demonstrates the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions.
Illustrates metal reactivity differences with water phases (cold vs. steam).
Industrial production of hydrogen gas.
Understanding corrosion and oxidation behavior of structural iron exposed to high-temperature steam.
Option A shows the number 4, which is the correct coefficient for water molecules in the balanced reaction.
Options B, C, and D represent incorrect stoichiometric coefficients.
A is correct тАФ 4 molecules of water are required to react with 3 atoms of iron to produce Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ and hydrogen gas.
Always verify both metal atoms and oxygen atoms independently when balancing combustion or steam-metal oxidation equations like Fe3тАЛO4тАЛ.