When iron metal reacts with sulfuric acid, it produces iron (iii) sulfate and hydrogen gas. balance the equation: fe + h2so4 → fe2(so4)3 + h2.
explain why it is necessary to balance chemical equations and why coefficients can be added to an equation, but subscripts cannot be changed

2Fe(s) + 3H₂SO₄ → Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂(g)

Explanation:

The equation for the reaction between iron metal and sulfuric acid is given by;

Fe(s) + H₂SO₄ → Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + H₂(g)

We are supposed to balance the equation:

What do we mean by balancing a chemical equation?

Balancing a chemical equations means that we want to make sure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

How is balancing done?

Balancing of chemical equations is try and error process that is done by putting appropriate coefficients on the reactants and products to equate the number of atoms of each element.

Why are subscripts on the compounds not changed?

Subscripts in a compound show the actual number of atoms of each element in the compound and therefore can never be altered with because it will distort the chemical compound.

Why is it necessary to balance chemical equations?

Chemical equations are balanced for them to obey the law of conservation of mass.According to this law, the mass of the reactants should be equal to the mass of products, which is achieved through balancing an equation.

What is the required balanced equation?

The equation given can be balanced by putting the coefficients 2, 3, 1, 3 in that order on the reactants and products.Therefore, the balanced chemical equation is;

2Fe(s) + 3H₂SO₄ → Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂(g)