Question

Consider a reaction :

$F{e}_2{O}_3\left(s\right)+2Al\left(s\right)\to A{l}_2{O}_3\left(s\right)+2Fe\left(s\right)$

Choose the correct options :

• A.
  $F{e}_2{O}_3$ is a reducing agent.
• B. $Al$ is a reducing agent.
• C. $F{e}_2{O}_3$ is an oxidising agent.
• D. $Al$ is an oxidising agent.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

$F{e}_2{O}_3$ is an oxidising agent.

Oxidising agent :

Substance which oxidises others and itself gets reduced.

Reducing agent :

Substance which reduces others and itself gets oxidised.

$\stackrel{+3}{F}{e}_2{O}_3\left(s\right)+2\stackrel{0}{A}l\left(s\right)\to \stackrel{+3}{A}{l}_2{O}_3\left(s\right)+2\stackrel{0}{F}e\left(s\right)$
In the above reaction we can see that $Fe$ in gets reduced from $+3$ to $0$ and $Al$ gets oxidised from $0$ to $+3$
$Al$ reduces $Fe$ and itself gets oxidised so it is called reducing agent, while $F{e}_2{O}_3$ oxidises $Al$ and itself gets reduced , so it is called an oxidising agent.