In a thermite reaction, a compound of iron reacts with a metal.
The correct name for `Fe_(2)O_(3)` is :

Options

A. Ferrous oxide
B. Ferric oxide
C. Ferrous hydroxide
D. Ferric hydroxide

Explanation

To find the correct name for the compound \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the elements in the compound
The compound \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) consists of two elements: iron (Fe) and oxygen (O).

### Step 2: Determine the oxidation states
In \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \):
- Iron (Fe) has an oxidation state of +3 (as it forms \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) ions).
- Oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2 (as it forms \( \text{O}^{2-} \) ions).

### Step 3: Classify the compound
Since the compound is formed from a metal (iron) and a non-metal (oxygen), it is classified as a metal oxide.

### Step 4: Name the metal ion
The iron ion with a +3 oxidation state is referred to as "ferric."

### Step 5: Name the non-metal ion
The oxide ion, which is derived from oxygen, is simply called "oxide."

### Step 6: Combine the names
Combining the names of the metal ion (ferric) and the non-metal ion (oxide), we get the name of the compound as "ferric oxide."

### Final Answer
The correct name for \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) is **ferric oxide**.

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