In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which species is oxidized? (2019)

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Question: In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which species is oxidized? (2019)

Options:

Correct Answer: C

Exam Year: 2019

Solution:

In this reaction, carbon (C) is oxidized as it loses electrons to form CO2.

In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which species is oxidized? (2019)

In the reaction 2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2, which species is oxidized? (2019)

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 carbon (C), the oxidation state is 0 as it is in its elemental form.
Step 5: In CO2, carbon (C) has an oxidation state of +4 and oxygen (O) remains at -2.
Step 6: Compare the oxidation states: Carbon goes from 0 in C to +4 in CO2, indicating it loses electrons.
Step 7: Since losing electrons means oxidation, carbon (C) is the species that is oxidized in this reaction.

Oxidation and Reduction – Understanding the transfer of electrons in a chemical reaction, where oxidation involves the loss of electrons and reduction involves the gain of electrons.
Balancing Chemical Reactions – Recognizing the stoichiometry of the reaction to identify the reactants and products involved in oxidation and reduction.