When iron pipes come in contact with water and oxygen, iron transfers electrons to the oxygen molecules.

Question

Which statement about the reactants is correct?

(1 point)
Responses

Iron is reduced and oxygen is oxidized.
Iron is reduced and oxygen is oxidized.

Oxygen is the reducing agent.
Oxygen is the reducing agent.

Oxygen is reduced, and iron is oxidized.
Oxygen is reduced, and iron is oxidized.

Iron is the oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

The correct statement about the reactants is:

Oxygen is reduced, and iron is oxidized.

In this redox reaction, iron (Fe) loses electrons (is oxidized) and oxygen (O₂) gains those electrons (is reduced). Thus, iron undergoes oxidation and oxygen undergoes reduction.