Question

]In the chemical reaction shown below, which element was oxidized? 4Fe + 3O2 yields 2Fe2O3 Fe, because it gained 3 electrons Fe, because it lost 3 electrons O, because it gained 2 electrons O, because it lost 2 electrons

Answer 1

"Fe, because it lost 3 electrons"

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, Fe because it lost 3 electrons.

Explanation :

Redox reaction or Oxidation-reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which the oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element increases. Or we can say that in oxidation, the loss of electrons takes place.

Reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element decreases. Or we can say that in reduction, the gain of electrons takes place.

The given balanced chemical reaction is :

`4Fe+3O_2\rightarrow 2Fe_2O_3`

The oxidation-reduction half reaction will be :

Oxidation :
`Fe\rightarrow Fe^(3+)+3e^-`

Reduction :
`O+2e^-\rightarrow O^(2-)`

In this reaction, the oxidation state of 'Fe' changes from (0) to (+3) that means Fe lost 3 electrons and it shows oxidation and the oxidation state of 'O' changes from (0) to (-2) that means O gains 2 electrons and it shows reduction.

Therefore, the correct option is, Fe because it lost 3 electrons.