Write molecular equations to describe the following oxidation-reduction reactions. Include phase symbols, and identify the species that is oxidized and reduced in each reaction.

Question

Write molecular equations to describe the following oxidation-reduction reactions. Include phase symbols, and identify the species that is oxidized and reduced in each reaction.

Solid iron metal reacts with chlorine gas to form solid iron (II) chloride.

Molecular equation:?

Answer 1

Solid iron metal reacts with chlorine gas to form solid iron (II) chloride

2Fe(s) + Cl₂(g) ==> FeCl₂(s) ... molecular equation

Fe(s) has oxidation number of 0

Fe in FeCl₂ has oxidation number of 2⁺, so it has LOST electrons and has been oxidized.

Cl in Cl₂(g) has oxidation number of 0

Cl in FeCl₂ has oxidation number of 1-, so it has GAINED electrons and has been reduced.