Iron
Iron
Symbol - Fe,
Atomic Number — 26,
Mass Number — 56
Physical and Chemical Properties of Iron :
Pure iron is like a silver white, soft, ductile, and malleable metal. The specific gravity of iron is 9.85, its melting point and boiling point are 1,533°C and 2,450°C. It is a transition metal and ferromagnetic, and it is attracted by the magnet. Fe is a transition metal, and it doesn’t occur in nature in free state, but it is found in the form of ore. In nature, it is also found abundantly in green vegetables and in the haemoglobin of the blood.
Alloys of Iron
| Steel | Other Element with Fe | Special Feature or Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Cr | Very hard and strong, doesn’t form rust. | Used in making cooking utensils, surgical instruments, blades, etc. |
| Nickel steel | Ni | Very hard and elastic, free from | Used in making axles, electric wire, aircraft, auto parts, etc. |
| Tungsten steel | W | Very hard and strong. | Used in making spring, magnets, saws, axles, and cutting tools. |
Compounds of Iron
Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO4) :
The hydrated ferrous sulphate is called green vitriol (FeSO4.4H2O). This is a light green crystalline solid highly soluble in water.
Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) :
It is used as a laboratory reagent in the production of blood coagulating medicines.
Mohr’s Salt [FeSO4.(NH4)2SO4.6H2O](CaCl2) :
This is a green colour crystalline solid soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol. This is used in volume synthesis, in making blue ink, in colouration of leather, and garment, as an insecticide, as a reducing agent in the laboratory.