Question

In the reaction, $xVO+yF{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}\to 6FeO+{{V}_{2}}{{O}_{5}}$. What is the value of x and y respectively?
(A) 1, 1
(B) 2, 3
(C) 3, 2
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Balancing the specific reaction is the most vital thing to do before solving any equation. Stoichiometric coefficients play an important role in analysing mole conceptual issues.

Complete step by step solution:
The overall concept for solving the given question is based on balancing the chemical equation. Thus, we would concentrate on balancing concepts.
Balancing equations-
-A balanced chemical equation is the equation where the number of atoms is equal in each element involved in the reactant and product side. The law of conservation of matter is satisfied.
-It may be confirmed by simply summing the number of atoms on either side of the arrow and comparing these sums to ensure they are equal.
-Note that the number of atoms for a given element is calculated by multiplying the coefficient of any formula containing that element by the element’s subscript in the formula.
-Steps for balancing any equation: There are three properly described steps to be followed while balancing any chemical equation
Step 1- Identify the products and Reactants
The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to identify your reactants and your products. Remember, your reactants are on the left side of your equation. The products are on the right side.
Step 2- Write the number of atoms
Next, you need to determine how many atoms of each element are present on each side of the equation. You can do this by looking at the subscripts or the coefficients. If there are no subscript or coefficients present, then you have just one atom of something.
Step 3- Add coefficients
To balance a chemical equation, you need to add the coefficients (whole number multipliers) to make sure that there are the same number of atoms on each side of the arrow.
Illustration-
Given that,
$xVO+yF{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}\to 6FeO+{{V}_{2}}{{O}_{5}}$
We need to calculate x and y values.
Start with balancing the equation;
Step 1- Reactants- $VO$ and $F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}$
Products- $FeO$ and ${{V}_{2}}{{O}_{5}}$
Step 2- No. of atoms of V on reactant side = x
No. of atoms of V on product side = 2
No. of atoms of O on reactant side = x+(y$\times$3)
No. of atoms of O on product side = 11
No. of atoms of Fe on reactant side = (y$\times$2)
No. of atoms of Fe on product side = 6
Step 3- x can be calculated as equal to 2
For y, adjustment on the both sides of the arrow required.
Thus, Using hit and trial method for chemical equation we get,
$2VO+3F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}\to 6FeO+{{V}_{2}}{{O}_{5}}$
Hence, we get y = 3

Therefore, option (B) 2, 3 is correct.

Note: Do note that when you balance any chemical equation, you need to change coefficients and not subscripts. Changing subscripts will result in balancing the number of atoms though, but technically this would hamper the nature of empirical reaction. So, that’s not allowed at all.