# Iron can be extracted from iron(III) oxide by reaction with carbon monoxide. The equation for this reaction is: Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂. Explain what happens to iron and carbon monoxide in terms of oxidation and reduction during this reaction.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 3.1 Oxidation and reduction · Explain · 5 marks

> Iron ore contains iron(III) oxide, Fe₂O₃. In industry, carbon monoxide is used to extract iron from its ore.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Iron(III) oxide loses oxygen / iron gains no oxygen / oxygen is removed from iron(III) oxide
2. Iron(III) oxide is reduced (because it loses oxygen)
3. Carbon monoxide gains oxygen to form carbon dioxide
4. Carbon monoxide is oxidised (because it gains oxygen)
5. This reaction is a redox reaction because oxidation and reduction happen simultaneously / one substance is oxidised whilst the other is reduced

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](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-iii-60ca0e05) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.