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In the following elements:-Assign oxidation numbers.-Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents.-Identify the change in oxidation number.1. 4Fe + 3O2 —> 2Fe2O3

User Ariadna
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1 Answer

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18 votes

According to the explanation given in the previous session, for this question we have:

4 Fe + 3 O2 -> 2 Fe2O3

The tip to find oxidation number is always rely on "easy" elements, like halogens or Oxygen, which will most of the times have -2 as its oxidation number. With that information in mind we have 50% of the answer already, since Oxygen will form compounds carrying a -2 charge

Oxygen will be reduced, it will also be the oxidizing agent, oxidation number = -2 and the change in oxidation number will be 0 -> -2.

The rest of the answer is easy now

Iron will be oxidized, becoming the reducing agent, oxidation number must match the oxidation number for Oyxgen, therefore it will be = +3, change in oxidation number 0 -> +3

User Tibor Szasz
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