The oxidation state of `Fe` in `Fe_(3)O_(8)` is

Options

A. `3//2`
B. `4//5`
C. `5//4`
D. `16//3`

Explanation

To determine the oxidation state of iron (Fe) in the compound Fe₃O₈, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the oxidation state of oxygen
In most compounds, the oxidation state of oxygen is typically -2.

### Step 2: Set up the equation
Let the oxidation state of iron (Fe) be represented as \( x \). Since there are three iron atoms in Fe₃O₈, the total contribution from iron will be \( 3x \).

### Step 3: Write the equation for the overall charge
The overall charge of the compound Fe₃O₈ is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the following equation based on the contributions from iron and oxygen:

\[ 3x + 8(-2) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Simplify the equation
Now, simplify the equation:

\[ 3x - 16 = 0 \]

### Step 5: Solve for \( x \)
To find \( x \), we can rearrange the equation:

\[ 3x = 16 \]

Now, divide both sides by 3:

\[ x = \frac{16}{3} \]

### Conclusion
The oxidation state of iron (Fe) in Fe₃O₈ is \( \frac{16}{3} \).

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