QuestionIron's ferrous Fe(II) and ferric Fe(III) ions differ by how many protons? A) 1 B) 1 neutron C) 2 D) 2 electrons E) 1 electron
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. Iron (Fe) can form compounds as both a ferrous Fe(II) and a ferric Fe(III) ion. . The difference between ferrous Fe(II) and ferric Fe(III) ions is due to a change in the charge state, not a change in the atomic structure.
STEP 2
The Roman numerals (II and III) in Fe(II) and Fe(III) represent the charge of the iron ion. Fe(II) means that the iron ion has a charge of +2, while Fe(III) means that the iron ion has a charge of +.
STEP 3
The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons (positive charge) and the number of electrons (negative charge) in an atom. If an atom loses electrons, it becomes a positive ion (or cation). If an atom gains electrons, it becomes a negative ion (or anion).
STEP 4
Iron (Fe) in its neutral state has an equal number of protons and electrons. When it forms a Fe(II) ion, it loses2 electrons. When it forms a Fe(III) ion, it loses3 electrons.
STEP 5
The difference between Fe(II) and Fe(III) is therefore the loss of one additional electron in Fe(III). So, the correct answer is)1 electron.
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