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AQA GCSE · Question 08.2 · Chemical changes
Iron oxide is reduced in this reaction. How does the equation show that iron oxide is reduced?
Iron oxide is reduced in this reaction. How does the equation show that iron oxide is reduced?
How to approach this question
Recall the definition of reduction in terms of oxygen. Reduction is the loss of oxygen. Look at the iron compound on the left (Fe₂O₃) and the iron product on the right (Fe). What has happened to the oxygen?
Full Answer
It has lost oxygen.
Reduction can be defined in two ways:\ngain of electrons OR loss of oxygen.\nIn this reaction, the reactant is iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and the product is iron (Fe). The iron has lost its oxygen atoms to the carbon (which is oxidised to carbon monoxide). Therefore, the iron oxide has been reduced because it has lost oxygen.
Common mistakes
✗ Just saying "oxygen is removed" without specifying from what.\n✗ Confusing reduction with oxidation.
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