Question

The rusting of iron involves the conversion of iron atoms into iron(III) ions. What change occurs during this reaction?

A. Iron atoms are oxidized through the loss of 3 electrons.
B. Iron atoms are reduced through the gain of 3 electrons.
C. Iron atoms are reduced through the loss of 3 electrons.
D. Iron atoms are oxidized through the gain of 3 electrons.

Answer 1

\(Fe\rightarrow Fe^{3+}+3e^-\)

Answer 2

So the answer is D?

Answer 3

oxidation is loss

OIL RIG

Oxidation is Loss

Reduction is GAIN

Answer 4

@aaronq ok so the answer is B right?

Answer 5

nope, look at the equation. It goes from elemental iron to iron (III) which is a positive ion, meaning it lost electrons - it was oxidized.

Answer 6

but it gained electrons so wouldn't it be D?

Answer 7

@aaronq

Answer 8

it didn't gain electrons.. it lost them. That's why it acquired positive charges, electrons are negative

Answer 9

oh wait haha it's A sorry

Answer 10

thank you :) @aaronq

Answer 11

yup! it's A

no problem!