The element carbon can be used to remove oxygen from iron oxide (FeO). This process is called reduction.

Here's how it works:

* Iron oxide (FeO) is heated with carbon (C).

* Carbon reacts with oxygen (O) in the iron oxide, forming carbon dioxide (CO2).

* This leaves behind pure iron (Fe).

The chemical equation for this reaction is:

2FeO + C → 2Fe + CO2

This reaction is the basis for the blast furnace process, which is used to produce iron from iron ore.