Oxidation state of Fe in `Fe_(3)O_(4)` is:

Options

A. `5/4`
B. `4/5`
C. `3/2`
D. `8/3`

Answer

To determine the oxidation state of iron (Fe) in the compound \( Fe_3O_4 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Assign Variables
Let the oxidation state of iron (Fe) be represented as \( x \).

### Step 2: Identify Known Oxidation States
The oxidation state of oxygen (O) is known to be \(-2\).

### Step 3: Set Up the Equation
In the compound \( Fe_3O_4 \), there are 3 iron atoms and 4 oxygen atoms. The total charge of the compound is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation based on the oxidation states:

\[ 3x + 4(-2) = 0 \]

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

\[ 3x - 8 = 0 \]

### Step 5: Solve for \( x \)
Rearranging the equation gives:

\[ 3x = 8 \]

Dividing both sides by 3:

\[ x = \frac{8}{3} \]

### Step 6: Conclusion
Thus, the oxidation state of iron (Fe) in \( Fe_3O_4 \) is \( \frac{8}{3} \).

### Final Answer
The oxidation state of Fe in \( Fe_3O_4 \) is \( \frac{8}{3} \).

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