In the redox reaction below, identify which reactant is oxidized and which is reduced.

Question

2Fe2O3(s) + 3C (s) 🡪 3CO2(g) + 4Fe (s) Oxidized: _____________ Reduced: ______________

Answer 1

Look at the oxidation number of each element on both sides of the equation:

2Fe₂O₃ + 3C(s) ===> 3CO₂(g) + Fe(s)

..+3..-2.........0..................+4..-2..........0.......Oxidation numbers

So Fe went from +3 to 0 meaning it was reduced

C went from 0 to +4 meaning it was oxidized