Answer:
Iron is oxidized while chlorine is reduced.
Explanation:
The oxidation reduction reactions are called redox reaction. These reactions are take place by gaining or losing the electrons and oxidation state of elements are changed.
Oxidation:
Oxidation involve the removal of electrons and oxidation state of atom of an element is increased.
Reduction:
Reduction involve the gain of electron and oxidation number is decreased.
Consider the following reaction:
2FeCl₂ + Cl₂ → 2FeCl₃
in this reaction the oxidation state of iron is increased from +2 to +3. That's why iron get oxidized and it is reducing agent because it reduced the chlorine. The chlorine is reduced from -2 to -3 and it is oxidizing agent because it oxidized the iron.
2Fe⁺²Cl₂⁻²
2Fe⁺³Cl₃⁻³
The iron atom gives it three electrons to three atoms of chlorine and gain positive charge while chlorine atom accept the electron and form anion.
