Question

4Fe + 3O2à 2Fe2O3 is a balanced equation. What is the charge on each iron (Fe) ion in hematite (Fe2O3)?

Answer 1

+3 I would say, in Fe2O3. O3=-6 Fe=+6 balances to 0

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is Option C.

Explanation:

Oxidation state is the number which is assigned to an element when it gains or looses electrons. If the element gains electron, it will attain a negative oxidation state and if the element looses electrons, it will attain a positive oxidation state.

We take the oxidation state of iron atom be 'x'.

Oxidation state of oxygen atom = -2

Evaluating the oxidation state of iron atom in $Fe_2O_3$:

$2x+3(-2)=0\\\\x=+3$

Hence, the correct answer is Option C.