Identify the species that is oxidized and the species that is reduced in the following reaction, then write the half reactions.

Question

2 Al +  3 Fe²⁺   ->    2 Al³⁺ + 3 Fe

Answer 1

The species that is oxidized is the one that loses electrons (becomes more positive). That's Al.

The species that is reduced is the one that gains electrons (becomes more negative). That is Fe²+.

Half reactions:

2Al(s) ==> 2Al³⁺ + 6e- ... oxidation half reaction

3Fe²⁺ + 6e- ==> 3Fe(s) ... reduction half reaction