Let us analyze the change in the oxidation state of iron in each process:
- Rusting of iron sheets: Iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form rust, which is hydrated iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3⋅xH2O). Here, the oxidation state of Fe changes from 0 to +3. This is an oxidation process.
- Decolourisation of blue CuSO4 solution by iron: Iron displaces copper from copper sulphate solution: Fe+CuSO4→FeSO4+Cu. Here, the oxidation state of Fe changes from 0 to +2. This is an oxidation process.
- Formation of Fe(CO)5 from Fe: In the metal carbonyl complex pentacarbonyliron(0), Fe(CO)5, the ligand carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral molecule. Therefore, the oxidation state of iron remains 0. This process does not involve the oxidation of iron.
- Liberation of H2 from steam by iron at high temperature: Iron reacts with steam to form iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4) and hydrogen gas: 3Fe+4H2O→Fe3O4+4H2. Here, the oxidation state of Fe changes from 0 to an average of +8/3 (a mixture of +2 and +3). This is an oxidation process.