Question

Write a balanced equation to convert iron to triferric tetroxide.
\[
  A.{\text{ }}3Fe + 2{O_2} \to F{e_2}{O_3} \\
  B.{\text{ }}2Fe + {O_2} \to 2FeO \\
  C.{\text{ }}3Fe + 4{O_2} \to F{e_3}{O_4} \\
  D.{\text{ }}3Fe + 2{O_2} \to F{e_3}{O_4} \\
 \]

Answer 1

Hint: In order to solve the given problem first we will see the chemical formula for iron and triferric tetroxide. Further first we will write the basic unbalanced chemical reaction for the formation of triferric oxide from iron and then we will use the concept of balancing the chemical reaction to balance out the chemical reaction to obtain the correct option amongst the given options.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that iron is one of the most important metals present on the earth and is one of the most used metals having a lot of constructional and laboratory uses.
It is mostly present in the earth in the form of magnetite ore. Iron reacts to form oxides and hydroxides with oxygen in the air, and iron (II, III) oxide is the most prevalent form.
The chemical formula of iron is $Fe$ .
The chemical formula of triferric tetroxide is $F{e_3}{O_4}$ .
Iron reacts with oxygen to form triferric tetroxide. The unbalanced basic chemical reaction is as follows:
$Fe + {O_2} \to F{e_3}{O_4}$

Now let us balance the chemical reaction. In order to balance the chemical reaction we will try to bring the number of each element on both sides equation similar and equal. So the balanced chemical reaction is:
$3Fe + 2{O_2} \to F{e_3}{O_4}$

Hence, a balanced equation to convert iron to triferric tetroxide is $3Fe + 2{O_2} \to F{e_3}{O_4}$ .
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: In order to solve such types of problems students must remember the chemical formula of different compounds and the elements also the students must be aware of the method to balance out the chemical reaction. The other name of triferric tetroxide is ferroso-ferric oxide. Triferric tetroxide occurs in nature as a mineral magnetite and can be considered as a ferrous oxide and ferric oxide complex. It also has magnetic properties.