what is the oxidizing agent in Fe + O2 arrow Fe2O3
In the reaction: Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3,
The oxidizing agent is the substance that causes another substance to be oxidized. In this case, the oxidizing agent is O2, which is molecular oxygen. Oxygen is gaining electrons in this reaction and causing the iron (Fe) to be oxidized.
So, molecular oxygen (O2) is the oxidizing agent in the reaction Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3.
The oxidizing agent in the reaction Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3 is the O2, which is molecular oxygen. To determine the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction, you need to identify the element or compound that undergoes reduction, meaning it gains electrons. In this reaction, the Fe (iron) is oxidized, which means it loses electrons.
Here's how you can figure out the oxidizing agent:
1. Write the balanced equation for the reaction:
Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3
2. Assign oxidation numbers to each element in the reaction. The oxidation number is a positive or negative value assigned to an element in a chemical species to indicate its degree of oxidation or reduction.
In this reaction:
The oxidation number of Fe is 0 since it is in its elemental form.
The oxidation number of O is -2 because it usually has a -2 oxidation state in compounds.
3. Determine the change in oxidation number for each element involved in the reaction.
In this case, the oxidation number of Fe goes from 0 to +3, an increase in oxidation number, indicating oxidation. Meanwhile, the oxidation number of O stays the same at -2.
4. Identify the species that causes the oxidation to occur. The species that causes the oxidation is the oxidizing agent.
In this reaction, O2 causes the oxidation of Fe by accepting the electrons that Fe loses. Therefore, O2 is the oxidizing agent.
By analyzing the changes in oxidation numbers of elements and identifying which species is responsible for the oxidation, you can determine the oxidizing agent in a chemical reaction.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
Reduction is the gain of electrons.
The oxidizing AGENT is the one that is reduced..
In the equation Fe goes from an oxidation state of zero on the left to +3 on the right. Oxygen goes from an oxidation sate of zero on the left to -2 on the right.
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