Question

question 11 (1 point)
in the reaction $ce{fe(s) + o_{2}(g) -> fe_{2}o_{3}(s)}$
which element gains electrons in the process?

iron
oxygen
iron and oxygen
iron (iii) oxide
no element gains electrons

Explanation:

To determine which element gains electrons, we analyze the oxidation states. In \( \text{Fe}(s) \), iron has an oxidation state of 0. In \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \), iron has an oxidation state of +3 (since oxygen is -2, and \( 2x + 3(-2) = 0 \) gives \( x = +3 \)), so iron is oxidized (loses electrons). For oxygen: in \( \text{O}_2(g) \), oxygen has an oxidation state of 0. In \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \), oxygen has an oxidation state of -2, so oxygen is reduced (gains electrons).

Answer:

B. oxygen