Balance the following equation, and hence choose the values of the coefficients w, x, y, z:
wFe2O3(s)+xC(s)→yFe(s)+zCO2(g)
w = 2, x = 3, y = 4, z = 3
Balance the iron:
Fe2O3(s)+C(s)→2Fe(s)+CO2(g)
Balance the oxygen:
2Fe2O3(s)+C(s)→2Fe(s)+3CO2(g)
Balance the iron again:
2Fe2O3(s)+3C(s)→4Fe(s)+3CO2(g)
and carbon is already balanced.