Chapter 21, Problem 13TE

The type of iron that the human body needs for good health is the ${\text{Fe}}^{2+}$ ion. Cereals fortified with iron, however, usually contain small grains of elemental iron, $\text{Fe}$ . What must the body do to this elemental iron to make good use of it? Oxidation or reduction?

To determine

The process for the conversion of elemental iron to the type which is needed by the body.

Answer to Problem 13TE

The elemental iron must be oxidized in order to be the type needed by the human body.

Explanation of Solution

The electrons are donated in an oxidation reaction while in reduction reaction the electrons are gained.

The type of iron needed by the body is ${\text{Fe}}^{2+}$ . And the cereals contain elemental iron.

For converting the elemental iron, $\text{Fe}$ , to ${\text{Fe}}^{2+}$ , two electrons must be removed from Fe.

$\text{Fe}\to {\text{Fe}}^{2+}+2{\text{e}}^{-}$

As the electrons are given out for the conversion, the elemental iron must be oxidized.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the elemental iron must be oxidized in order to be the type needed by the human body.