Consider the half reaction below. Upper F e right arrow upper F e superscript 2 plus, plus 2 e superscript minus. Which statement best describes what is taking place in this half reaction? Iron is being reduced. Iron is being oxidized. Iron is gaining electrons. Iron is an oxidizing agent.

Iron is being oxidised.

Explanation:

To determine the right answer to the question, it is important that we write the half reaction.

The equation for the half reaction is given below:

Fe —> Fe^2+ + 2e^-

Next, we shall determine the change in the oxidation number of iron, Fe. This is illustrated below:

Fe = 0

Fe = +2

From the above, we can see that the oxidation number of iron, Fe changes from 0 to +2 i.e the oxidation number of iron, Fe increased.

This indicates that iron, Fe is being oxidised.