Answer:
½O 2 + 2e - + H 2O → 2OH.
Explanation:
Redox reactions - Higher
In terms of electrons:
oxidation is loss of electrons
reduction is gain of electrons
Rusting is a complex process. The example below show why both water and oxygen are needed for rusting to occur. They are interesting examples of oxidation, reduction and the use of half equations:
iron loses electrons and is oxidised to iron(II) ions: Fe → Fe2+ + 2e-
oxygen gains electrons in the presence of water and is reduced: ½O2 + 2e- + H2O → 2OH-
iron(II) ions lose electrons and are oxidised to iron(III) ions by oxygen: 2Fe2+ + ½O2 → 2Fe3+ + O2-
