Which one of the following equations is the balanced chemical equation for the given reaction? Fe + H₂O ⟶ Fe₃O₄ + H₂

To balance the chemical equation Fe + H₂O ✖ Fe₃O₄ + H₂, one must ensure the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the reaction. Starting with iron, there are 3 atoms in the product Fe₃O₄, requiring a coefficient of 3 for Fe on the reactant side [2]. Next, the product Fe₃O₄ contains 4 oxygen atoms, necessitating 4 molecules of H₂O on the reactant side [1]. This adjustment results in 8 hydrogen atoms (4!! 2) on the left, which is balanced by placing a coefficient of 4 in front of H₂ on the product side [1]. The final balanced equation is 3Fe + 4H₂O ✖ Fe₃O₄ + 4H₂, where both sides contain 3 Fe, 8 H, and 4 O atoms.

Sources

1. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations > 1.6) (partly balanced equation) > p. 5
2. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations > 1.6) (partly balanced equation) > p. 4