MnO4¯ + 8H^+ +5Fe^2+ → Mn^2+ + 4H2O + 5Fe^3+

Which ones underwent oxidisation and reduction.

My answer is Mn and O went oxidisation and Fe and H went reduction but it's wrong and I don't understand why. Any help is very much appreciated. Thanks

2 answers

iron goes from Fe^2+ to Fe^3+ ... the oxidation number increases
... iron is oxidized

Mn goes from +7 in MnO4¯ to Mn^2+ ... the oxidation number decreases
... manganese is reduced

5 irons lose an electron , one manganese gains 5 electrons ... balanced

H and O don't change oxidation states
Thank you. Just started learning redox equations today and it's giving me a bit of a hard time