Here's the balanced chemical equation for the reaction:
Fe₂O₃ (s) + 3H₂ (g) → 2Fe (s) + 3H₂O (g)
Explanation:
* Fe₂O₃ (s) represents solid iron III oxide (also known as ferric oxide or rust).
* 3H₂ (g) represents 3 moles of hydrogen gas.
* 2Fe (s) represents 2 moles of solid iron.
* 3H₂O (g) represents 3 moles of water vapor.
This reaction is a classic example of a reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction. Hydrogen gas acts as the reducing agent, providing electrons to reduce the iron ions in the oxide from a +3 oxidation state to a 0 oxidation state (metallic iron). Simultaneously, hydrogen is oxidized from a 0 oxidation state to a +1 oxidation state in water.
