Question

What is the charge of iron in iron oxide compound $Fe_2O_3$

Answer 1

In order to solve this question we will use the concept of the finding the oxide state of any compound for that we will let the oxidation state of the iron any variable and then we will put all the other compounds oxidation state and put it equal to the net charge present on the molecule.

Complete step by step answer:
For solving this question we will first let the oxidation state of the iron as any variable so let it x, now as we know that the oxidation state of the oxygen is equal to -2 so we will multiply it by 3 as there are 3 atoms oxygen are present in the molecule and we will put it equal to the net charge present in the whole atom as in this case the net charge present in this molecule is zero so we will put it equal to zero.
2(x) + 3(-2) = 0
Now on further solving this we will get:
2x – 6 = 0
On finalizing it we will get:
2x = 6
So the value of the x will be 3.

Note: While solving these types of question we should keep in mind that there are some of the general oxidations which we must know, but in some special case it might so in that case we will have the knowledge of the structural because it states the oxidation state of the compounds in special case.