Iron: the structure of the atom, the scheme and examples. The electronic structure of the iron atom

Consider the electronic structure of the iron atom, as well as its location in the periodic table. We reveal the basic physical and chemical properties of this element, the field of use.

Position in the PS

Iron is the d-element of group 8 (an auxiliary subgroup). It has 26 ordinal 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. Characteristic degrees of oxidation: +2, +3.

Features of the structure of the atom

What is the electronic scheme of the structure of the iron atom ? If we consider the electron distribution over energy levels, we obtain the following variant:

2e; 8e; 14 e; 2e. Such a structure of the electron shell of the iron atom indicates its location in the secondary subgroup, confirms the belonging 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 number in the bowels of our planet there are only three elements: silicon, aluminum, oxygen.

Iron ores are found in different regions of the Earth. Alchemists found compounds of this metal in soils. In the production of iron, ore is selected in which its content exceeds 30 percent.

In magnetic iron ore contains about seventy-two percent of the metal. The main deposits of magnetite are located in the Kursk magnetic anomaly, as well as in the Southern Urals. In the blood, the percentage of iron reaches 65 percent. Hematite was discovered in the Krivoy Rog district.

Significance for plants and animals

What role does iron play in living organisms? The structure of the atom explains its reducing properties. This chemical element is part of the 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 to transfer to the tissues from the lungs active oxygen, as well as the output of the formed carbon dioxide.

This metal and plants are needed. Being part of the cytoplasm, he takes an active part in the processes of photosynthesis. If the plant lacks iron, its leaves are white in color. With minimal top dressing with iron salts, the leaves of the plants become green.

Physical properties

We have considered the structure of the iron atom . The circuit confirms the presence of a metallic luster (there are valence electrons) in this element. The silver-white metal has a rather high melting point (1539 degrees Celsius). Thanks to good plasticity, this metal can easily be rolled, punched, forged.

The ability to magnetize and demagnetize, characteristic of iron, made it an excellent material for the production of cores of powerful electromagnets in different apparatuses and electric machines.

How active is iron? The structure of the atom shows the presence on the outer level of two electrons, which will be given away in the course of the chemical reaction. To increase its hardness and strength, additional rolling and hardening of the metal is carried out. 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 scheme of which was considered above, explains its chemical characteristics. In a technically pure metal, which is a low-carbon steel, the main component is iron. As impurities, about 0.04 percent of carbon was detected, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur are also present.

Chemically pure iron in its external parameters is similar to platinum. It has increased resistance to corrosion processes, is resistant to the action of acids. At the slightest introduction of impurities into a pure metal, its unique characteristics disappear.

Options for obtaining

The structure of the atoms of aluminum and iron indicates the belonging of amphoteric aluminum to the main subgroup, the possibility of using it in the process of the separation of iron from its oxides. Aluminothermy, carried out at elevated temperature, makes it possible to separate pure metal from natural ores. In addition to aluminum, hydrogen, carbon monoxide (2), coal are chosen as strong reducing agents.

Features of chemical properties

What chemical properties does iron have? The structure of the atom explains its restorative activity. For iron is characteristic the formation of two series of compounds having oxidation states of +2, +3.

In humid air, the process of rusting (corrosion) of the metal occurs, resulting in the formation of ferric hydroxide (3). With oxygen, the heated iron wire reacts with the appearance of a black powder of iron oxide (2,3), called iron scale.

At high temperatures, the metal is able to react with water vapor to form a mixed oxide. The process is accompanied by the evolution of hydrogen.

The reaction with nonmetals occurs only when the initial components are preheated.

Iron can be dissolved in dilute sulfuric or hydrochloric acids without preheating the mixture. Concentrated sulfuric and hydrochloric acids passivate this metal.

What other chemical properties does iron have? The structure of the atom of this element indicates its average activity. This is confirmed by the location of iron to hydrogen (H2) in a series of stresses. Consequently, it can displace from the salts all metals that are located to the right of the Beketov series. Thus, in the reaction with copper (2) chloride, carried out on heating, pure copper is isolated and a solution of ferric chloride is obtained (2).

Areas of use

The main part of all iron is used in the production of cast iron and steel. In cast iron, the percentage of carbon is 3-4 percent, in steel - no more than 1.4 percent. This non-metal performs the function of an element that increases the strength of the joint. In addition, it positively affects the corrosion properties of alloys, increases the resistance of the material to an elevated temperature.

Additions of vanadium are necessary to improve the mechanical strength of steel. Chromium increases the resistance to aggressive chemicals.

The ferromagnetic properties of this chemical element made it in demand in industrial installations that include electromagnets. In addition, iron found its use in the souvenir industry. Based on it, various souvenirs are made, for example colorful magnets on the refrigerator.

Strength and ductility allow the use of metal to create armor, various weapons.

Ferric chloride (3) is used to purify water from impurities. In medicine, 26 elements of the periodic system of Mendeleev are used to treat a disease such as anemia. In the case of a lack of red blood cells there is a rapid fatigue, the skin acquires an unnatural pale color. Preparations of iron help to eliminate a similar problem, to return the body to a full-fledged activity. Particular importance of iron is for the activity of the thyroid gland, liver. In order to avoid serious problems in the human body, it is sufficient to consume about 20 mg of this metal per day.