Oxidation state of Fe in `Fe_3O_4` is

Options

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

Explanation

To determine the oxidation state of iron (Fe) in the compound Fe₃O₄, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Write the formula and assign oxidation states
The formula for magnetite is Fe₃O₄. In this compound, we know that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.

### Step 2: Set up the equation for oxidation states
Let the oxidation state of iron (Fe) be represented as \( x \). Since there are 3 iron atoms in Fe₃O₄, the total contribution from iron will be \( 3x \). The total contribution from the oxygen atoms will be \( 4 \times (-2) = -8 \).

### Step 3: Write the overall charge equation
The overall charge of the compound Fe₃O₄ is neutral (0). Therefore, we can set up the equation:
\[ 3x + (-8) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Solve for \( x \)
Rearranging the equation gives:
\[ 3x - 8 = 0 \]
\[ 3x = 8 \]
\[ x = \frac{8}{3} \]

### Step 5: Conclusion
The oxidation state of iron (Fe) in Fe₃O₄ is \( \frac{8}{3} \).