Write the correct formula for Iron (III) Nitride
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula for Iron (III) Nitride is FeN.
Explanation
To understand why the formula for Iron (III) Nitride is FeN, we need to examine the components involved, specifically iron and nitrogen, along with their respective oxidation states.
- Iron Oxidation State: Iron (Fe) can exist in multiple oxidation states, but in this case, “Iron (III)” specifically refers to the +3 oxidation state. This means that each iron atom will lose three electrons when it forms compounds. In the periodic table, iron is located in Group 8, and its common oxidation states include +2 and +3.
- Nitrogen Oxidation State: Nitrogen (N) typically forms an anion known as nitride when it gains three electrons, resulting in a -3 oxidation state. This nitride ion is represented as ( N^{3-} ).
- Combining the Ions: To formulate the compound, we need to balance the positive and negative charges from the iron and nitrogen ions. An iron (III) ion has a charge of +3, while a nitride ion has a charge of -3. To achieve charge neutrality in the compound, one Fe³⁺ ion can combine with one N³⁻ ion: [
\text{Fe}^{3+} + \text{N}^{3-} \rightarrow \text{FeN}
] - Final Formula: The resulting formula is FeN, indicating that there is one iron (III) ion for every nitrogen ion in the compound. This is consistent with the stoichiometric ratios required for neutralizing the charges.
Summary
In summary, the formula for Iron (III) Nitride is FeN due to the +3 oxidation state of iron and the -3 oxidation state of nitrogen. The ability of these two elements to combine in a 1:1 ratio reflects the principles of charge neutrality, resulting in a stable ionic compound known as iron nitride. This compound is important in various applications, including materials science and metallurgy.