Question

1 Iron can be extracted from iron(III) oxide using carbon, shown by the equation below:

Fe²O³ + C -> Fe + CO
Balance the equation and state which substance is oxidised and which is reduced​

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the chemical equation for the extraction of iron from iron(III) oxide using carbon, you need to ensure that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation. Here's the balanced equation:

2Fe₂O₃ + 3C -> 4Fe + 3CO

Now, let's determine which substance is oxidized and which is reduced:

1. Iron (Fe) undergoes a change in oxidation state from +3 in iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) to 0 in elemental iron (Fe). It is reduced because it gains electrons, going from a higher positive oxidation state to zero.

2. Carbon (C) in carbon (C) undergoes a change in oxidation state from 0 to +2 in carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon is oxidized because it loses electrons and goes from an oxidation state of 0 to +2.

So, in this chemical reaction:

- Iron is reduced (it gains electrons).

- Carbon is oxidized (it loses electrons).