How do I balance this equation? Fe2O3 + C → Fe + CO2

2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2

Explanation:

Step 1: the unbalanced equation

Fe2O3 + C → Fe + CO2

Step 2: Balancing the equation

Fe2O3 + C → Fe + CO2

On the left side we have 3x O (in Fe2O3), on the right side we have 2x O (in CO2). To balance the amount of O on both sides, we have to multiply Fe2O3, on the left side, by 2 and CO2, on the right side, by 3.

2Fe2O3 + C → Fe + 3CO2

On the left side we have 1x C, on the right side we have 3x C (in 3CO2). To balance the amount of C on both sides, we have to multiply C, on the left side, by 3.

2Fe2O3 + 3C → Fe + 3CO2

On the left side we have 4x Fe, (in 2Fe2O3), on the right side we have 1x Fe. To balance the amount of Fe on both sides, we have to multiply Fe, on the right side, by 4.

2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2

2 Fe2O3 + 3 C → 4 Fe + 3 CO2

Explanation: The coefficient variables are the following, 2:3:4:3

The number of each individual atoms on the reactant and product side are equal. The number of atoms are as follows.

Fe is 4

O is 6

C is 3