Which answer best describes what is happening in the following redox reaction? 4fe + 3o2 mc023-1.jpg 2fe2o3 this is combustion. this is neutralization. iron is oxidized to form rust. oxygen is oxidized to form rust.

Answer is: iron is oxidized to form rust.

Chemical reaction: Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃.

Oxidation half reaction: Fe⁰ → Fe⁺³ + 3e⁻ /×4; 4Fe⁰ → 4Fe⁺³ + 12e⁻.

Reduction half reaction: O₂⁰+ 4e⁻ → 2O⁻²/×3; 3O₂⁰+ 12e⁻ → 6O⁻².

Balanced chemical reaction: 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃.

Oxidation is increase of oxidation number, iron is oxidized from oxidation number 0 (Fe) to oxidation number +3 (in rust Fe₂O₃).