4Fe+3O2—> 2 Fe2 O3
Is the equation above a redox reaction? How do you know? Which atom is oxidized and which is reduced?
Yes, the equation is a redox reaction. This can be determined by examining the changes in oxidation numbers of the atoms.
In this reaction, the oxidation number of Fe changes from 0 to +3, indicating that Fe is oxidized (loses electrons) from Fe to Fe2O3. The oxidation number of O changes from 0 to -2, indicating that O is reduced (gains electrons) from O2 to Fe2O3.