What is the oxidation number change for the iron atom in the following reaction? 2 Fe2O3(s) + 3 C(s) → 4 Fe(s) + 3 CO2(g)

The change in the oxidation number of the iron atom in the reaction is from +3 to 0

Oxidation is simply defined as the the loss of electron. However, Oxidation number simply talks about the number of electrons that is either gained or lossed during bond formation.

The change in the oxidation number of iron in the reaction can be obtained as follow:

2Fe₂O₃(s) + 3C(s) → 4Fe(s) + 3CO₂(g)

Oxidation number of Fe₂O₃ = 0 (ground state)

Oxidation number of oxygen = –2

Fe₂O₃ = 0

2Fe + 3O = 0

2Fe + 3(–2) = 0

2Fe – 6 = 0

Collect like term

2Fe = 6

Divide both side by 2

Fe = 6/2

Thus, the oxidation number of Fe in Fe₂O₃ is +3

Therefore, the change in the oxidation number of the iron, Fe, atom in the reaction is from +3 to 0

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Explanation:

2 Fe2O3(s) + 3 C(s) → 4 Fe(s) + 3 CO2(g)

In the given reaction, Iron in the reactants side have the oxidation number of +6. This is because with has oxidation state -6, So any atom with it would have an oxidation state of +6 to give the resultant of zero.

In the products side, Iron acts as a free element reacting with no other atom. So, as per the rule of oxidation states, the oxidation state of Iron in the products side will be zero.

So, the oxidation number changes from +6 to 0 .

Extra Info: Decrease in oxidation state is Reduction , So Iron is being reduced here.