What is the primary oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3?

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Q: What is the primary oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3?

Solution: In Fe2O3, iron has an oxidation state of +3, as the total charge of the compound must equal zero.

Steps: 9

Step 1: Identify the compound, which is Fe2O3.
Step 2: Recognize that Fe represents iron and O represents oxygen.
Step 3: Know that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: Since there are 3 oxygen atoms in Fe2O3, calculate the total oxidation state from oxygen: 3 * (-2) = -6.
Step 5: The compound Fe2O3 must have a total charge of 0.
Step 6: Let the oxidation state of iron (Fe) be x. There are 2 iron atoms, so the total oxidation state from iron is 2x.
Step 7: Set up the equation: 2x + (-6) = 0.
Step 8: Solve for x: 2x = 6, so x = 3.
Step 9: Conclude that the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3 is +3.