Question

Two compounds of iron are jpven below. FeSO₄ Fe₂(SO₄)₃ (The oxidation state of sulfate radical is-2) 

a. Which of these compounds show +2 oxidation state for Fe? 

b. Which compounds has Fe³⁺ ion? 

c. Write the subshell electronic configuration of Fe³⁺ ion. 

d. Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states?

Answer 1

1. a. FeSO₄

b. Fe₂(SO₄)₃ 

c. Fe³⁺ – 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵ 

d. The energy difference between the outer most ‘s’ subshell and penultinate ‘d’ subshell is very small. Hence under suitable conditions, the electrons in ‘d’ subshell also take part in chemical reaction.