Iron reacts with oxygen to produce iron oxide (rust). this reaction is represented in an equation as 4fe + xo2 → 2fe2o3. identify the value of x that will balance the equation.

Answer is:  the value of x is 3.

Chemical reaction: Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃.

Oxidation half reaction: Fe⁰ → Fe⁺³ + 3e⁻ /×4; 4Fe⁰ → 4Fe⁺³ + 12e⁻.

Reduction half reaction: O₂⁰+ 4e⁻ → 2O⁻²/×3; 3O₂⁰+ 12e⁻ → 6O⁻².

Balanced chemical reaction: 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃.

Oxidation is increase of oxidation number, iron is oxidized from oxidation number 0 (Fe) to oxidation number +3 (in rust Fe₂O₃).

The value of x  will be " 3 ".

Explanation:

The iron reacts with moist air and leads to formation of reddish brown layer on its surface that is rust .

It is corrosion but in case of iron is called as "rust ".

The conditions necessary for rusting is :

When iron comes in contact with moist air rusting occurs .

The chemical formula of rust is ; Fe₂O₃.x H₂O

The overall reaction can be represented as :

4 Fe + xO₂-->2  Fe₂O₃

we also know that , mass in any chemical reaction cant be created nor be destroyed ,it remains conserved .So,in accordance with Law of conservation of mass we balance the equation .

Therefore  , to balance oxygen we need to multiply it with 3 so as to equalize 6 moles on both sides .

4Fe + 3O₂ > 2Fe₂O₃

Hope this helps!

4Fe+3O2 >2Fe2O3.