In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, which element is oxidized?
Practice Questions
Q1
In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, which element is oxidized?
Fe
O2
Fe2O3
None of the above
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, which element is oxidized?
Step 1: Identify the reactants in the reaction, which are iron (Fe) and oxygen (O2).
Step 2: Understand that oxidation is the process of losing electrons.
Step 3: In the reaction, iron (Fe) combines with oxygen (O2) to form iron oxide (Fe2O3).
Step 4: Determine the oxidation states of the elements: Iron (Fe) starts with an oxidation state of 0 and ends up with an oxidation state of +3 in Fe2O3.
Step 5: Since iron (Fe) goes from 0 to +3, it loses electrons.
Step 6: Conclude that iron (Fe) is the element that is oxidized in this reaction.
