Question

In the chemical reaction `4Fe+3O_2 -> 2Fe_2O_3`, which elements are oxidized?

Answer 1

Well `"elemental iron"` is OXIDIZED to `"ferric oxide..."`

Explanation:

And we could represent this by half-equations....CLEARLY iron metal is oxidized....

`FerarrFe^(3+) + 3e^(-)` `(i)`

And meanwhile, the potent OXIDANT, dioxygen gas is reduced to `O^(2-)`...

`O_2(g) + 4e^(-) rarr 2O^(2-)` `(ii)`

WE add `4xx(i)+3xx(ii)` to get....

`4Fe(s)+3O_2(g) + 12e^(-)rarrunderbrace(4Fe^(3+)+6O^(2-))_(2Fe_2O_3) + 12e^(-)`

And finally....

`4Fe(s)+3O_2(g) + rarr 2Fe_2O_3(s)`

Rust prevention is a very big deal....teams of corrosion engineers assess the degree of rust in bridges and office-blocks, and attempt to control the oxidation....