Question

What is an example of oxidation?

Answer 1

Iron rusting.

Explanation:

Iron will oxidize in the presence of oxygen and moisture to give iron(III) oxide.

`4Fe^(2+)(aq) + O_2(g) + 4H_2O(l)-> 2Fe_2O_3(s)+ 8H^+(aq)`

The oxidation state of `Fe` is `0` and the oxidation state of iron in `Fe_2O_3` is `+3`.

Oxidation: Increase in the oxidation state.