Remember the definitions.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons.
So Cu goes from +1 to zero and iron goes from zero to +2. Which loses electrons?
Consider the following unbalanced equation between copper(I) ions and iron to produce copper metal and iron(II) ions: Cu+ + Fe → Cu + Fe2+ What is oxidized in this reaction?
A) copper(I) ion
B) iron
C) copper
D) iron(II) ion
2 answers
Hi, I'm a 10th grade student and this is how I would look at it...
So what is being oxidized is what is losing electrons.
So take Copper for example.
Copper is going from a 1+ charge to no charge as a solid...so is it gaining an electron or losing.
Now think of Iron.
Iron is going from no charge to a charge of 2+. So would that be losing electrons or gaining?
Whichever element loses the electrons would be oxidized in this reaction.
Hope this helps!
So what is being oxidized is what is losing electrons.
So take Copper for example.
Copper is going from a 1+ charge to no charge as a solid...so is it gaining an electron or losing.
Now think of Iron.
Iron is going from no charge to a charge of 2+. So would that be losing electrons or gaining?
Whichever element loses the electrons would be oxidized in this reaction.
Hope this helps!