Consider the electronic structure of the iron atom , as well as its location in the periodic table. We will reveal the main physical and chemical properties of this element, the field of use.
The situation in the PS
Iron is the d-element of group 8 (side subgroup). It has 26 serial numbers, the relative atomic mass is 56, its atom contains 26 protons, 26 electrons, and 30 neutrons. This metal has an average chemical activity, exhibits reducing properties. Typical oxidation states: +2, +3.
Features of the structure of the atom
What is an electronic circuit of the structure of an iron atom ? If we consider the distribution of electrons by energy levels, we obtain the following option:
2e; 8e; 14 e; 2e. This structure of the electron shell of the iron atom indicates its location in the secondary subgroup, confirms that it belongs to the d-family of elements.
Being in nature
Iron is one of the most common chemical elements in nature. In the earth's crust, its percentage is about 5.1%. In a larger quantity, only three elements are present in the bowels of our planet: silicon, aluminum, and oxygen.
Iron ores are found in different regions of the Earth. Alchemists discovered compounds of this metal in soils. In the production of iron, ores are selected in which its content exceeds 30 percent.
Magnetic iron contains about seventy-two percent of the metal. The main magnetite deposits are located in the Kursk magnetic anomaly, as well as in the Southern Urals. In blood, the percentage of iron reaches 65 percent. Hematite was discovered in the Krivorozhsky district.
Importance for plants and animals
What role does iron play in living organisms? The structure of an atom explains its reducing properties. This chemical element is part of hemoglobin, giving it a characteristic red color. About three grams of pure iron, most of which is included in hemoglobin, is found in the body of an adult. The main purpose is the transfer to the tissues of the lungs of active oxygen, as well as the withdrawal of the resulting carbon dioxide.
This metal is also necessary for plants. Being part of the cytoplasm, he takes an active part in the processes of photosynthesis. If the plant does not have enough iron, its leaves are white in color. With minimal feeding with iron salts, the leaves of the plants become green.
Physical properties
We examined the structure of the iron atom. The scheme confirms the presence of a metallic luster for this element (there are valence electrons). Silver-white metal has a rather high melting point (1539 degrees Celsius). Due to its good ductility, this metal can be easily rolled, stamped, forged.
The ability to magnetize and demagnetize, characteristic of iron, made it an excellent material for the production of cores of powerful electromagnets in various devices and electric machines.
How active is iron? The structure of the atom shows the presence at the external level of two electrons that will be given during the chemical reaction. To increase its hardness and strength carry out additional rolling and hardening of the metal. Such processes are not accompanied by a change in the structure of the atom.
Varieties of iron
The electronic structure of the iron atom, the circuit of which was considered above, explains its chemical characteristics. In technically pure metal, which is a low-carbon steel, the main component is iron. About 0.04 percent of carbon was detected as impurities; phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur are also present.
Chemically pure iron in its external parameters is similar to platinum. It has a high resistance to corrosion processes, resistant to acids. At the slightest introduction of impurities into a pure metal, its unique characteristics disappear.
Receipt options
The structure of aluminum and iron atoms indicates that amphoteric aluminum belongs to the main subgroup, and it can be used in the process of separation of iron from its oxides. Aluminothermy, carried out at elevated temperature, allows you to allocate pure metal from natural ores. In addition to aluminum, hydrogen, carbon monoxide (2), and carbon are chosen as strong reducing agents.
Chemical Features
What chemical properties does iron have? The structure of the atom explains its reducing activity. Iron is characterized by the formation of two rows of compounds with oxidation states of +2, +3.
In moist air, the process of rusting (corrosion) of the metal occurs, as a result, iron hydroxide is formed (3). The heated iron wire reacts with oxygen with the appearance of a black powder of iron oxide (2,3), called iron oxide.
At high temperatures, the metal is able to interact with water vapor, thus forming a mixed oxide. The process is accompanied by the release of hydrogen.
The reaction with non-metals occurs only upon preliminary heating of the starting components.
Iron can be dissolved in dilute sulfuric or hydrochloric acids without pre-heating the mixture. Concentrated sulfuric and hydrochloric acids passivate this metal.
What other chemical properties does iron have? The atomic structure of this element indicates its average activity. This is confirmed by the arrangement of iron to hydrogen (H2) in a series of stresses. Therefore, it can displace from the salts all metals located to the right in the Beketov series. So, in a reaction with copper chloride (2), carried out by heating, pure copper is released and a solution of iron chloride is obtained (2).
Areas of use
The bulk of all iron is used in the production of iron and steel. In pig iron, the percentage of carbon is 3-4 percent, in steel - not more than 1.4 percent. This non-metal acts as an element that increases the strength of the connection. In addition, it positively affects the corrosion properties of alloys, increases the resistance of the material to elevated temperature.
Vanadium additives are necessary to increase the mechanical strength of steel. Chromium increases resistance to aggressive chemicals.
The ferromagnetic properties of this chemical element have made it popular in industrial plants, which include electromagnets. In addition, iron found its use in the souvenir industry. Various souvenirs are made on its basis, for example, colorful fridge magnets.
Strength and ductility allow the use of metal to create armor and various weapons.
Iron chloride (3) is used to purify water from impurities. In medicine, 26 an element of the periodic table is used in the treatment of a disease such as anemia. In case of a lack of red blood cells, fatigue occurs, the skin acquires an unnatural pale color. Iron preparations help to eliminate a similar problem, return the body to full activity. Of particular importance is iron for the activity of the thyroid gland, liver. To prevent serious problems in the human body, it is enough to consume about 20 mg of this metal per day.