Question

Given the reaction:: 2Fe₂O₃(s) + 3C(s) → 3CO₂(g) + 4Fe(s)

Is this a combination, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, or combustion reaction?

Answer 1

The reaction is a combustion reaction involving the reduction of iron oxide to iron and the oxidation of carbon to carbon dioxide, also representing a redox process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction 2Fe2O3(s) + 3C(s) → 4Fe(s) + 3CO2(g) involves the reduction of iron oxide (Fe2O3) to iron (Fe) and the oxidation of carbon (C) to carbon dioxide (CO2).

This type of reaction is a combustion reaction, as it involves the oxidation of carbon to carbon dioxide in the presence of an oxide (iron oxide) that acts as an oxidizing agent. It is also an example of a redox (reduction-oxidation) process, where reduction and oxidation occur simultaneously; iron oxide is reduced, and carbon is oxidized.

The reaction showcased is specifically used in the production of iron in blast furnaces and demonstrates the fundamental concept where both oxidation and reduction must take place together in a chemical reaction.