Consider the half reaction below. which statement best describes what is taking place in this half reaction?

a. iron is being reduced.
b. iron is being oxidized.
c. iron is gaining electrons.
d. iron is an oxidizing agent.

Iron is being oxidized. (Ans. B)

Explanation:

Half reaction is defined as either the reduction where electrons are gained or oxidation where electrons are lost of the redox reaction. Half reaction is produced by change in the oxidation state of individual molecule which is involved in the redox reaction.

A good example of redox reaction is known as rusting. In this process oxygen take electrons from iron, then iron gets oxidized, and oxygen gets reduced. This process results the compound known as rust, or iron oxide.

Fe> Fe2+ +2e-.