In the reaction 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3, which element is oxidized?

₹0.0

Question: In the reaction 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3, which element is oxidized?

Options:

Correct Answer: Fe

Solution:

Iron (Fe) is oxidized as it loses electrons to form FeCl3.

In the reaction 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3, which element is oxidized?

In the reaction 2Fe + 3Cl2 → 2FeCl3, which element is oxidized?

Step 1: Identify the reactants in the reaction, which are iron (Fe) and chlorine (Cl2).
Step 2: Determine the oxidation states of each element in the reactants and products.
Step 3: In the reactants, iron (Fe) has an oxidation state of 0, and chlorine (Cl2) has an oxidation state of 0.
Step 4: In the product FeCl3, iron (Fe) has an oxidation state of +3, and chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of -1.
Step 5: Compare the oxidation states: Iron (Fe) goes from 0 to +3, which means it loses electrons.
Step 6: Since losing electrons is oxidation, iron (Fe) is the element that is oxidized in the reaction.

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.