Following reaction describes the rusting of iron
`4Fe+3O_(2) rarr 4Fe^(3+)+6O^(2-)`
Which one of the following statements is incorrect?

Options

A. This is an example of a redox reaction
B. Metallic iron is reduced to `Fe^(2+)`
C. `Fe^(3+)` is an oxidising agent
D. Metallic iron is a reducing agent

Answer

To solve the problem regarding the rusting of iron, we need to analyze the given chemical reaction and the statements associated with it. The reaction provided is:

\[ 4Fe + 3O_2 \rightarrow 4Fe^{3+} + 6O^{2-} \]

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reaction Type**:
- The reaction involves the conversion of iron (Fe) to iron ions (Fe³⁺) and oxygen (O₂) to oxide ions (O²⁻).
- This indicates that oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons) are occurring.
- **Hint**: Look for changes in oxidation states to identify redox reactions.

2. **Determine Oxidation States**:
- In the reaction, iron (Fe) starts at an oxidation state of 0 and is oxidized to +3 (Fe³⁺).
- Oxygen (O₂) starts at an oxidation state of 0 and is reduced to -2 (O²⁻).
- **Hint**: Remember that oxidation involves an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves a decrease.

3. **Evaluate Each Statement**:
- **Statement 1**: "This is an example of a redox reaction."
- This statement is **correct** because both oxidation and reduction are taking place.
- **Statement 2**: "Metallic iron is reduced to Fe²⁺."
- This statement is **incorrect** because metallic iron is oxidized to Fe³⁺, not reduced.
- **Statement 3**: "Fe³⁺ is an oxidizing agent."
- This statement is **correct** because Fe³⁺ can accept electrons and get reduced to Fe.
- **Statement 4**: "Metallic iron is a reducing agent."
- This statement is **correct** because metallic iron donates electrons and gets oxidized to Fe³⁺.
- **Hint**: Check the definitions of oxidizing and reducing agents to assess the correctness of these statements.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The incorrect statement among the options provided is **Statement 2**: "Metallic iron is reduced to Fe²⁺."
- Therefore, the answer to the question is that this statement is incorrect.

### Summary:
The incorrect statement regarding the rusting of iron is that metallic iron is reduced to Fe²⁺. In reality, it is oxidized to Fe³⁺.