# Iron can be extracted from iron oxide by heating it with carbon. In this reaction, the iron oxide loses oxygen and the carbon gains oxygen. Explain what has been oxidised and what has been reduced in this reaction, and describe what the terms oxidation and reduction mean in terms of oxygen transfer.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 1.8 Redox · Explain · 5 marks

> Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) is heated with carbon (C). Iron metal and carbon dioxide are produced.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Oxidation is the gain of oxygen
2. Reduction is the loss of oxygen
3. Carbon is oxidised because it gains oxygen (forming carbon dioxide)
4. Iron oxide is reduced because it loses oxygen (to form iron)
5. Oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously / this is a redox reaction

## Key terms

- [oxidation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidation)
- [reduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/iron-can-be-extracted-from-iron-3048823d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.