Which of the following describes what takes place when iron (Fe^0) is oxidized to Fe^{2+} ions?

• A. Iron loses two electrons.
• B. Iron gains two electrons.
• C. Iron loses two protons.
• D. Iron gains two protons.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of oxidation in terms of electron transfer: Oxidation is the loss of electrons by a species.
2. Identify the initial and final states of iron in the problem: Iron starts as Fe^0 (neutral atom) and is oxidized to Fe^{2+} (a cation with a +2 charge).
3. Determine the change in charge from Fe^0 to Fe^{2+}: The charge increases from 0 to +2, indicating a loss of negative charge (electrons).
4. Recall that protons (H^+ ions) are not gained or lost in this process; oxidation involves electrons only.
5. Conclude that iron loses two electrons to go from Fe^0 to Fe^{2+}, because losing two electrons results in a +2 charge.