Final answer:
The species reduced in the reaction 2 Al³⁺(aq) + 2 Fe(s) → 2 Al(s) + 3 Fe²⁺(aq) is Aluminum (Al³⁺), which gains electrons to form aluminum metal.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the reaction 2 Al³⁺(aq) + 2 Fe(s) → 2 Al(s) + 3 Fe²⁺(aq), the species that is reduced is Aluminum (Al³⁺). Reduction is the gain of electrons in a chemical reaction. In this case, aluminum ions gain three electrons to form aluminum metal, as shown in the half-reaction Al³⁺(aq) + 3e⁻ → Al(s). We can observe that the oxidation state of aluminum changes from +3 in Al³⁺ to 0 in Al(s), indicating a reduction process.
Reduction in a chemical reaction refers to the gain of electrons by an atom, molecule, or ion. It involves a decrease in the oxidation state or an increase in the number of electrons associated with an atom or molecule.
Key points about reduction:
Electron Gain: Reduction occurs when an atom, ion, or molecule accepts electrons. This process is typically accompanied by a decrease in the positive charge or an increase in the negative charge of the species undergoing reduction.
Redox Reactions: Reduction always occurs alongside oxidation in a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In these reactions, one species loses electrons (oxidation) while another gains electrons (reduction). The substance undergoing reduction is called the oxidizing agent, as it facilitates the reduction of the other species.