Answer:
Iron (Fe) is reduced, going from Fe^+3 to Fe, and aluminum (Al) is oxidized, going from Al to Al^+3.
Step-by-step explanation:
n the given reaction, iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) react to form aluminum ions (Al^3+) and iron ions (Fe^3+), as shown by the chemical equation:
Fe^3+ + Al -> Al^3+ + Fe
The oxidation state of iron changes from +3 to 0, indicating a gain of electrons and reduction. The oxidation state of aluminum changes from 0 to +3, indicating a loss of electrons and oxidation. Therefore, in this reaction, iron is reduced and aluminum is oxidized.
In general, oxidation is the loss of electrons by a substance, which results in an increase in its oxidation state, while reduction is the gain of electrons by a substance, which results in a decrease in its oxidation state. In redox reactions, both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously, and electrons are transferred from one substance to another.