Oxidation and reduction
3 marks · NormalIn a reaction, iron(III) oxide reacts with aluminium powder:
Describe, in terms of electron transfer, what happens to aluminium atoms during this reaction.
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Aluminium atoms lose electrons and are oxidised; they form Al^3+ ions by losing 3 electrons each.
Also accept: Al atoms lose electrons and are oxidised
Common mistakes: Saying Al gains electrons (wrong direction of transfer)
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States aluminium atoms lose electrons.
M2 · 1 mark · States this is oxidation.
A1 · 1 mark · Gives correct number: 3 electrons lost to form Al^3+.
Worked solution
Aluminium atoms lose electrons to form Al^3+ ions.
This is oxidation because aluminium loses electrons.