In the reaction of iron(II) sulphate with chlorine and sulphuric acid, the element oxidised is:

1. Oxidation means an increase in oxidation number. 2. Iron begins as Fe²⁺ in iron(II) sulphate and ends as Fe³⁺ in iron(III) sulphate. 3. That is a rise from 2+ to 3+, so iron is oxidised. 4. Chlorine falls from 0 in Cl₂ to −1 in HCl, so chlorine is reduced, not oxidised. 5. Hydrogen and oxygen keep the same oxidation numbers throughout, so neither is oxidised or reduced. _Source: NECTA CSEE 2022 Chemistry 032, Question 1: Multiple Choice Items, item (viii)_