]in the chemical reaction shown below, which element was oxidized? 4fe + 3o2 yields 2fe2o3 fe, because it gained 3 electrons fe, because it lost 3 electrons o, because it gained 2 electrons o, because it lost 2 electrons

Answer : The correct option is, Fe because it lost 3 electrons.

Explanation :

Redox reaction or Oxidation-reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which the oxidation and reduction reaction takes place simultaneously.

Oxidation reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance looses its electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element increases. Or we can say that in oxidation, the loss of electrons takes place.

Reduction reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In this, oxidation state of an element decreases. Or we can say that in reduction, the gain of electrons takes place.

The given balanced chemical reaction is :

The oxidation-reduction half reaction will be :

Oxidation :

Reduction :

In this reaction, the oxidation state of 'Fe' changes from (0) to (+3) that means Fe lost 3 electrons and it shows oxidation and the oxidation state of 'O' changes from (0) to (-2) that means O gains 2 electrons and it shows reduction.

Therefore, the correct option is, Fe because it lost 3 electrons.