1
Count Fe atoms - Left: 1, Right: 2 (unbalanced)
2
Put coefficient 2 before Fe: 2Fe + O2 → Fe2O3
3
Count O atoms - Left: 2, Right: 3 (unbalanced)
4
Put coefficient 3 before O2 and 2 before Fe2O3: Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3
5
Balance Fe: 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3
Answer: 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3
Worked Example 2: Identify reaction type - CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
1
Count reactants - One compound (CaCO3)
2
Count products - Two substances (CaO and CO2)
3
One reactant breaks into multiple products = Decomposition reaction
4
Heat is required, so it's thermal decomposition
Answer: Thermal decomposition reaction
Quick Trick for Reaction Types: Remember 'CORD' - Combination (A+B→AB), Oxidation-reduction (electron transfer), Replacement (single/double), Decomposition (AB→A+B). Most RRB questions test these four types.
Common Mistake #1: Students forget to balance equations and write wrong coefficients. Always verify by counting atoms on both sides after balancing. Another frequent error is confusing physical changes (like melting) with chemical changes (like burning). Chemical changes form new substances; physical changes don't