Chapter 19, Problem 14E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The oxidation state of iron in ${\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}{\text{ and Fe}}_3{\text{O}}_4$ needs to be determined. The ratio of ${\text{Fe}}^{2+}{\text{ and Fe}}^{3+}$ ions in the magnetite needs to be determined. The representation of the formula of magnetite that is $\text{FeO}𑨀{\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ needs to be justified.

Concept Introduction : The oxidation state of Fe means charge on the iron atom in ${\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}{\text{ and Fe}}_3{\text{O}}_4$ . If the charge on O atom is known, the charge on the Fe can be calculated noticing that the overall charge on the compound is zero or it is neutral.