Q1) Refer to the chemical equation of rusting of iron and the image of the iron oxide molecule.4fe+3o2 2fe2o3 Draw a model that shows electron transfer when iron and oxygen chemically react to form rust.

Question

explain as well as answer

Answer 1

To explain the rusting of iron and the electron transfer that occurs, let's start with the balanced chemical equation for the formation of rust, which can be simplified as:

\[ 4 \text{Fe} + 3 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \]

This represents the reaction in which iron (Fe) reacts with oxygen gas (O₂) to form iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), commonly known as rust.

Electron Transfer in Rusting

1. Oxidation of Iron:

   • Iron is a metal that easily loses electrons. In this reaction, each iron atom loses three electrons to form iron ions (Fe³⁺).
   • The oxidation half-reaction can be represented as: \[ \text{Fe} \rightarrow \text{Fe}^{3+} + 3e^- \]
   • Since there are four iron atoms, the total electron loss would be: \[ 4 \text{Fe} \rightarrow 4 \text{Fe}^{3+} + 12e^- \]

2. Reduction of Oxygen:

   • Oxygen is a non-metal that gains electrons. The oxygen molecule (O₂) needs to gain electrons to reduce it to oxide ions (O²⁻).
   • The reduction half-reaction can be represented as: \[ \text{O}_2 + 4e^- + 2 \text{H}_2O \rightarrow 4 \text{OH}^- \]
   • For simplicity, in the formation of rust, we focus on the overall reaction but note that each O₂ molecule can gain four electrons in the presence of water to form hydroxide ions which react with iron ions.

Visual Representation

To draw a model that shows the electron transfer:

1. Iron Atoms:

   • Depict four spheres representing iron atoms (Fe). Label them as "Fe."

2. Oxygen Molecule:

   • Draw one molecule of O₂ as two O atoms connected to symbolize the diatomic nature of oxygen.

3. Electron Transfer:

   • Use arrows to indicate the flow of electrons (e⁻) from the iron spheres to the oxygen molecule. Show that each iron atom loses three electrons while each oxygen atom gains electrons.

4. Final Products:

   • Show the resulting iron ions (label them as Fe³⁺) and oxide ions (label as O²⁻ or OH⁻). You can show the iron ions combining with hydroxide ions to form the iron(III) oxide structure.

Summary

In summary, rusting of iron involves the oxidation of iron, where it loses electrons, and the reduction of oxygen, where it gains electrons. This transfer of electrons forms iron ions and oxide ions, which combine to create iron(III) oxide or rust. The above steps should help visualize and understand this electrochemical process.

Feel free to create a diagram based on this description for a more interactive understanding!