What Is the Equation That Best Describes the Oxidation of Iron

Multiple Choice

What is the equation that best describes the oxidation of iron by oxygen in the presence of moisture? Hint: Be sure to consider the oxidation numbers when determining the equation.

A) Fe²⁺(aq) + H₂O(aq) + O₂(g) $\rarr$ FeO(s) + H₂(g) + O₂(g)
B) 4 H⁺(aq) + 2Fe(s) + O₂(g) $\rarr$ 2H₂O(l) + 2Fe²⁺ (aq)
C) 4Fe(s) + 3O₂(g) + 2xH₂O $\rarr$ 2Fe₂O₃·xH₂O(s)
D) Fe(s) + 2H₂O(aq) + O₂(g) $\rarr$ Fe(OH) ₂(s) + H₂O₂(l)
E) 2Fe(s) + 6H₂O(aq) + O₂(g) $\rarr$ 2Fe(OH) ₃(s) + 3H₂(g) + O₂(g)