# Iron can be extracted from iron oxide by heating it with carbon. In this reaction, iron oxide is reduced and carbon is oxidised. Explain what is meant by the terms 'oxidised' and 'reduced' in terms of oxygen, and explain why this reaction is described as a redox reaction.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 1.8 Redox · Explain · 5 marks

> Iron oxide reacts with carbon at high temperatures. The equation for the reaction is: 2Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO₂

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Oxidised means oxygen has been gained
2. Carbon gains oxygen (to form carbon dioxide), so carbon is oxidised
3. Reduced means oxygen has been lost
4. Iron oxide loses oxygen (to form iron), so iron oxide is reduced
5. A redox reaction is one in which both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously

## Key terms

- [oxidised](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidised)
- [reduced](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduced)
- [redox reaction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/redox-reaction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/iron-can-be-extracted-from-iron-c698104f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.