How to Balance an Equation for Solid Iron & Hydrogen Gas
- 1). Write out the unbalanced reaction between iron and hydrogen. Remember that hydrogen is a diatomic gas, always existing as two atoms bonded together. The reaction is Fe + H2 -> FeH.
- 2). Count the number of irons (Fe) on the left and right sides of the reaction arrow (->). In this case there is 1 iron on each side, so they are currently balanced.
- 3). Count the number of hydrogens (H) on the left and right sides of the reaction arrow. In this case there are 2 hydrogens on the left side and 1 hydrogen on the right side. So, you have to multiply the right side compound (FeH) by 2 to balance the number of hydrogens on the right and left sides (Fe + H2 -> 2 FeH).
- 4). Go back and verify that the number of irons is still balanced. There is now 1 iron on the left side and 2 irons on the right side, so you need to multiply the iron on the left side by 2 to rebalance the number of irons (2 Fe + H2 -> 2 FeH).
- 5). Verify that the number of hydrogens is still balanced and you get the balanced equation for the formation of iron hydride from solid iron and hydrogen gas (2 Fe + H2 -> 2 FeH).
