Question

Explain the reaction Fe → Fe⁽³⁺⁾.

1) gain of electrons
2) gain of hydrogen atoms
3) loss of electrons
4) loss of hydrogen atoms

Answer 1

Iron undergoes oxidation when it forms Fe³⁺ by losing three electrons, which are typically lost from the 4s and 3d orbitals. The correct option is 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction Fe → Fe³⁺ represents the process in which an iron atom loses three electrons to become an iron(III) ion. This is known as oxidation, where the oxidation number of the iron increases.

This process can be observed in the chemical reaction 4 Fe + 3 O₂ → 2 Fe₂O₃, where each iron atom loses three electrons, and oxygen atoms gain those electrons to form oxide ions, O²⁻.

When iron forms an Fe³⁺ ion, it loses the electrons from the 4s orbital first and then one electron from the 3d orbitals, leaving the electronic configuration 1s² 2s² 2p¶ 3s² 3p¶ 3d⁵. The correct option is 3.