How do you know how to...?

#(i)# represent the complete oxidation of iron metal to ferric oxide?

#(ii)# represent the thermal decomposition of ferrous oxalate?

#(iii)# represent the disproportionation of ferrous oxide?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 8, 2017

So how do you know? Got me.....?

Explanation:

Of course, you have to look at the context of the question.......#"Iron metal is heated under excess dioxygen gas for a "#
#"prolonged period........"# Such conditions, would favour oxidation to #"ferric iron"#.

#2Fe(s) + 3/2O_2(g) +Delta rarrFe_2O_3(s)#

On the other hand, #"iron oxalate"# can be thermally decomposed to #"iron oxide"# and #"carbon dioxide"# and #"carbon monoxide"#.

#FeC_2O_4(s)+Delta rarrFeO(s) + CO(g) + CO_2(g)#

On the other, other hand, #"ferrous oxide"# could disproportionate to give iron metal and the mixed oxidation state #"magnetite"#.....

#3FeO(s) + DeltararrFe(s) + Fe_2O_3(s)#

.........here #Fe_2O_3# #"aka magnetite"# is a mixed oxidation state iron oxide.......#FeO*FeO_2#, i.e. an #Fe(+IV)# centre........

Depending where you are, you should be spoon-fed this info.

Related questions
See all questions in Chemical Equations
Impact of this question
1695 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License