In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, what is the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3

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Question: In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, what is the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3?

Options:

Correct Answer: +3

Solution:

In Fe2O3, iron has an oxidation state of +3.

In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, what is the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3?

In the reaction 4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3, what is the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3?

Correct Answer: +3

Step 1: Identify the compound in question, which is Fe2O3.
Step 2: Recognize that Fe2O3 consists of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O).
Step 3: Know that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: Calculate the total oxidation state contributed by the oxygen in Fe2O3. Since there are 3 oxygen atoms, the total is 3 * -2 = -6.
Step 5: Let the oxidation state of iron be represented as x. Since there are 2 iron atoms, the total oxidation state from iron is 2x.
Step 6: Set up the equation for the total oxidation states: 2x + (-6) = 0 (the compound is neutral).
Step 7: Solve the equation: 2x - 6 = 0, which simplifies to 2x = 6.
Step 8: Divide both sides by 2 to find x: x = 3.
Step 9: Conclude that the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3 is +3.

Oxidation States – Understanding how to determine the oxidation state of elements in compounds, particularly transition metals.
Redox Reactions – Recognizing the role of oxidation and reduction in chemical reactions, especially in the context of metal oxides.