Question #0ed7c

2 Answers
Sep 14, 2015

What is #Fe^(3+)#? This is simply an iron atom that has lost 3 electrons.

Explanation:

#Fe^(3+)(aq)# is the #Fe^(3+)# cation in aqueous (water) solution. It is an #Fe^(3+)# nucleus surrounded by 6 water molecules, which could be represented as #[Fe(OH_2)_6]^(3+)#. This species acts as an acid in aqueous solution, and its colour often reflects its acid/base behaviour.

Sep 15, 2015

#Fe# is a transition metal. It has a variable valency. it has the electronic configuration: #[Ar] 3d^6 4s^2#. The orbitals #3d# and #4s# are close in energy and sometimes #Fe# (or more precisely the #4s# orbital) gives up the outer 2 electrons resulting in #Fe^+2# and sometimes the #3d# orbital also loses an electron alongwith the 2 electrons from #4s# orbital resulting in #Fe^+3#. #Fe^+3# is more stable than #Fe^2#, this is beacuse #Fe^+2# has more electron pair-electron pair repulsion in the #d# sub shell.