This unbalanced equation describes a redox reaction. what is the total increase in oxidation number of the species being oxidized? fe2o3 (s) + co (g) → fe (s) + co2 (g) + 1 + 2 + 3 + 6 description

Answer is: the total increase in oxidation number of the species being oxidized in unbalanced chemical reaction is + 2, because carbon in carbon (II) oxide (CO) change oxidation number from + 2 to + 4 in carbon (IV) oxide (CO₂) and in balanced chemical reaction is + 6 (3 · (+2)).

Unbalanced chemical reaction: Fe₂O₃ (s) + CO (g) → Fe (s) + CO₂ (g).

Oxidation half reaction: C ⁺² → C⁺⁴ + 2e⁻ / * 3; 3C⁺² → 3C⁺⁴ + 6e⁻.

Reduction half reaction: Fe⁺³ + 3e⁻ → Fe⁰ / * 2; 2Fe⁺³ + 6e⁻ → 2Fe⁰.

Balanced chemical reaction: Fe₂O₃ (s) + 3CO (g) → 2Fe (s) + 3CO₂ (g).