Question

Which of the following statements about the given reaction are correct?
\[3Fe(s) + 4{H_2}O(g) \to F{e_3}{O_4}(s) + 4{H_2}(g)\]
(i) Iron metal is getting oxidized.
(ii) Water is getting reduced.
(iii) Water is acting as a reducing agent.
(iv) Water is acting as an oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

Hint: An oxidizing agent is a substance that removes electrons from other reactants during a redox reaction. Reducing agent (also called a reductant or reducer) is an element or compound that loses (or "donates") an electron to an electron recipient (oxidizing agent) in a redox chemical reaction.

Complete step by step answer:
The oxidizing agent typically takes these electrons for itself, thus gaining electrons and being reduced. An oxidizing agent is thus an electron acceptor. A reducing agent typically is in one of its lower possible oxidation states and is known as the electron donor. A reducing agent is thus oxidized when it loses electrons in the redox reaction. Reducing agents reduce (or, are "oxidized" by) oxidizing agents. Oxidizers oxidize (that is, are reduced by) reducers.
The reaction that is given in the question is as follows:
\[3Fe(s) + 4{H_2}O(g) \to F{e_3}{O_4}(s) + 4{H_2}(g)\]
From the reaction, we can notice that the oxidation state of iron increases from 0 to +2 and +3 that means it is getting oxidized. Thus, iron acts as a reducing agent. Also, the oxidation state of hydrogen decreases from +2 to 0 that means it is getting reduced. Thus, water acts as an oxidizing agent.
Thus, the correct statements are:
(i) Iron metal is getting oxidized.
(ii) Water is getting reduced.
 (iv) Water is acting as an oxidizing agent.

So, the correct answer is “Option (i),(ii) and (iv)”.

Note:
An oxidizing agent is a chemical species that undergoes a chemical reaction in which it gains one or more electrons. In that sense, it is one component in an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. In the second sense, an oxidizing agent is a chemical species that transfers electronegative atoms, usually oxygen, to a substrate. Combustion, many explosives, and organic redox reactions involve atom-transfer reactions.