In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which element is oxidized?

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Question: In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which element is oxidized?

Options:

Correct Answer: Carbon

Solution:

Carbon is oxidized as it loses electrons to form CO2.

In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which element is oxidized?

In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which element is oxidized?

Step 1: Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2.
Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products.
Step 3: In Fe2O3, iron (Fe) has an oxidation state of +3 and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: In CO2, carbon (C) has an oxidation state of +4 and oxygen (O) remains at -2.
Step 5: Compare the oxidation states of carbon before and after the reaction: it goes from 0 in C to +4 in CO2.
Step 6: Since carbon's oxidation state increases, it means carbon loses electrons.
Step 7: Conclude that carbon is oxidized because it loses electrons to form CO2.

Oxidation and Reduction – Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, while reduction involves the gain of electrons. In redox reactions, one element is oxidized and another is reduced.
Identifying Oxidation States – Understanding how to assign oxidation states to elements in compounds helps in determining which element is oxidized or reduced.