In the chemical reaction shown below, which element was oxidized? 4Fe + 3O2 -- 2Fe2O3
Fe, because it gained 3 electrons
Fe, because it lost 3 electrons
O, because it gained 2 electrons
O, because it lost 2 electrons

Question

In the chemical reaction shown below, which element was oxidized? 4Fe + 3O2 --> 2Fe2O3
Fe, because it gained 3 electrons
Fe, because it lost 3 electrons
O, because it gained 2 electrons
O, because it lost 2 electrons

btaylor · Answer

O, because it gained 2 electrons.
if it Loses Electrons, it is Oxidized (this pretty much eliminates answers B and D)
if it Gains Electrons, it is Reduced. 

mnemonic device: LEO the lion goes GER (it's cheezy and stupid, but it works)

anonymous · Answer

Oh that's right! haha My teacher said that once