iron oxide reacts with aluminum to give aluminum oxide and iron what kind of chemical reaction is this

Question

iron oxide reacts with aluminum to give aluminum oxide and iron what kind of chemical reaction is this

Answer 1

Expanding upon the answer given by Angie B., let us look at the reaction in question:

Iron oxide is either Fe₂O₃ [iron(III) oxide] or it is FeO [iron(II) oxide].  We'll assume the former.

Fe₂O₃ + 2Al ===> Al₂O₃ + 2Fe

Oxidation # of Fe on the left is 3+ and on the right, it is zero.  Iron has been reduced.

Oxidation # of Al on the left is zero and on the right, it is 3+.  Aluminum has been oxidized.

 

Clearly, this is a redox reaction (oxidation/reduction).  It can also be considered to be a single replacement reaction because Al is more active and is replacing Fe.

Answer 2

Hello Brandy

 

The balanced chemical reaction is:

 

Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe

 

In this reaction, a "single" element, Al, "replaces" another element, Fe, in the original compound.  This type of reaction is called a single replacement reaction.

Answer 3

Acid/Base reactions should include an acid (usually something with an extra H) and a base (usually something with an OH or NH3)

RedOx reactions should have something being reduced and something being oxidized, you'll need to look at the charges of each element before and after the reaction and see if they change. Remember metals in their elemental state have no charge or rather oxidation number.

Precipitate reactions have (aq) + (aq) -> (aq) + (s),  the solid is the precipitate.