Question

Given the balanced equation representing a reaction:

Fe2O3 + 2Al--> Al2O3 + 2Fe
During this reaction, the oxidation number of Fe changes from
(1) +2 to 0 as electrons are transferred
(2) +2 to 0 as protons are transferred
(3) +3 to 0 as electrons are transferred
(4) +3 to 0 as protons are transferred

Answer 1

Oxidation State of Fe in Iron (III) Oxide:

`Fe_(2) O_(3)`
let oxidation state of Fe = x
2x + (-2 * 3) = 0
2x - 6 = 0
2x = +6
x = +3
Oxidation state of Solid Iron
Fe
the rule is that the oxidation state of an uncombined element is zero

Redox pertains to electron transfer and not proton transfer thus your answer is OPTION 3 (+3 to 0 as electrons are transferred)