Question

Which best identifies why the rusting of an iron nail in the presence of water and oxygen is an oxidation-reduction reaction? Water is a reactant. Electrons are transferred. Nonmetals and a metal are involved. Energy is released.

Answer 1

The best answer on this particular answer would be, "The electrons are transferred."

Answer 2

Answer : The correct option is, Electrons are transferred.

Explanation :

Iron rusting : It is a chemical process in which the an iron nail react with water and oxygen to give iron oxide as a product. Rusting of iron is an oxidation-reduction reaction in which iron losses electrons to oxygen atom.

Oxidation-reduction reaction : It is a reaction in which oxidation and reduction reaction occur simultaneously.

• Oxidation reaction : It is the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this oxidation state increases.

• Reduction reaction : It is the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this oxidation state decreases.

The balanced chemical reaction for rusting of irons is,

`4Fe(s)+3O_2(g)\rightarrow 2Fe_2O_3(s)`

Half reactions of oxidation and reduction are :

Oxidation :
`Fe(s)\rightarrow Fe^(3+)+3e^-`

Reduction :
`(1)/(2)O_2+2e^-\rightarrow O^(2-)`

From this reaction we conclude that the electrons are getting transferred from iron to oxygen.

Hence, the correct option is, Electrons are transferred.