Balancing Chemical Equations: Iron(II) Hydroxide and Oxygen Reactions

Chemical equations are crucial for understanding the processes involved in chemical reactions. This article will guide you through the process of balancing a specific chemical equation where iron(II) hydroxide (Fe(OH)2) reacts with oxygen (O2) to form iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) and water (H2O). We will cover the steps involved in balancing this equation and understand the underlying chemical principles.

Introduction to Chemical Equations

A balanced chemical equation represents the reactants and products in a chemical reaction in a way that the law of conservation of mass is upheld. This means that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

The Given Chemical Equation

Let's consider the reaction: Iron(II) hydroxide (Fe(OH)2) Oxygen (O2) rarr; Iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) Water (H2O)

Step-by-Step Process to Balance the Equation

To balance the given equation, we will follow these steps:

1. Write the Unbalanced Equation

Fe(OH)2 O2 rarr; Fe(OH)3 H2O

2. Count the Number of Atoms of Each Element on Both Sides

Reactants: Fe: 1 O: 2 from O2 2 from Fe(OH)2 4 H: 2 from Fe(OH)2 Products: Fe: 1 O: 3 from Fe(OH)3 1 from H2O 4 H: 3 from Fe(OH)3 2 from H2O 5

3. Balance the Hydrogen on the Reactants and Products Sides

To balance the hydrogen, we need to adjust the coefficients. Let's try using a coefficient of 2 for Fe(OH)2: 2 Fe(OH)2 O2 rarr; 2 Fe(OH)3 H2O Reactants: Fe: 2 O: 2 from O2 4 from 2 Fe(OH)2 6 H: 4 from 2 Fe(OH)2 Products: Fe: 2 O: 6 from 2 Fe(OH)3 1 from H2O 7 H: 6 from 2 Fe(OH)3 2 from H2O 8

This shows an error. Let's adjust the coefficients again to find the correct balance.

4. Correct Balance

The correct balanced equation is:

4 Fe(OH)2 O2 rarr; 4 Fe(OH)3 2 H2O

Explanation of Correct Balanced Equation

After correctly balancing the equation, we ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides:

Fe: 4 on both sides O: 6 on both sides (4 from Fe(OH)3 and 2 from 2 H2O) H: 8 on both sides (6 from 4 Fe(OH)3 and 2 from 2 H2O)

This equation is balanced and follows the law of conservation of mass.

Additional Insights: Oxidation and Reduction

Alternatively, we can break down the process using oxidation and reduction reactions:

Oxidation Half-Reaction:

[Fe2 e- rarr; Fe3 2 4 e- rarr; 4 Fe3

Reduction Half-Reaction:

O2 2 H2O 4 e- rarr; 4 OH-

Net Ionic Reaction:

The net ionic reaction combining these half-reactions is:

4 Fe2 O2 2 H2O rarr; 4 Fe(OH)3

Conclusion

In conclusion, the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of iron(II) hydroxide with oxygen to form iron(III) hydroxide and water is 4 Fe(OH)2 O2 rarr; 4 Fe(OH)3 2 H2O. This process demonstrates the importance of balancing equations to reflect real-world chemical reactions accurately.