Here's the explanation:
1. Iron (Fe) Oxidation Number:
In a compound, the overall charge must be neutral. In Fe2O3, there are two Fe atoms and three O atoms. Each oxygen atom has a -2 oxidation number. To balance these negative charges, each iron atom must have a positive oxidation number of +3 to maintain a neutral overall charge:
$$2(+3) + 3(-2) = 0$$
2. Oxygen (O) Oxidation Number:
Oxygen typically has an oxidation number of -2. In Fe2O3, each oxygen atom indeed has an oxidation number of -2.
So, in Fe2O3, the oxidation number of iron (Fe) is +3, while the oxidation number of oxygen (O) is -2.
