Aluminum metal reacts with aqueous iron(III) oxide to form aqueous aluminum oxide and iron metal. What is the stoichiometric coefficient for aluminum when the chemical equation is balanced using the lowest, whole-number stoichiometric coefficients

The stoichiometric coefficient for aluminum when the chemical equation is balanced using the lowest, whole-number stoichiometric coefficients is 2

From the question,

We are to determine the stoichiometric coefficient for aluminum when the chemical equation for the reaction is balanced

The balanced chemical equation, using the lowest whole-number stoichiometric coefficient, for the reaction between aluminum metal and aqueous iron(III) oxide to form aqueous aluminum oxide and iron metal is

2Al(s) + Fe₂O₃(aq) → Al₂O₃(aq) + 2Fe(s)

Hence, the stoichiometric coefficient for aluminum when the chemical equation is balanced using the lowest, whole-number stoichiometric coefficients is 2

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The stoichiometric coefficient for aluminum is 2

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Aluminum metal = Al(s)

aqueous iron(III) oxide = Fe2O3(s)

aqueous aluminum oxide  = Al2O3(s)

iron metal = Fe(s)

Step 2: The unbalanced equation

Al(s) + Fe2O3(s) → Al2O3(s) + Fe(s)

Step 3: Balancing the equation

On the left side we have 1x Al , on the right we have 2x Al (in Al2O3). To balance the amount of Al on both sides, we have to multiply Al (on the left side) by 2.

2Al(s) + Fe2O3(s) → Al2O3(s) + Fe(s)

On the left side we have 2x Fe (in Fe2O3) , on the right we have 1x Fe. To balance the amount of Fe on both sides, we have to multiply Fe (on the right side) by 2. Now the equation is balanced.

2Al(s) + Fe2O3(s) → Al2O3(s) +2Fe(s)

The stoichiometric coefficient for aluminum is 2