Why must we mention the oxidation state of iron in iron oxide?

1 Answer
Sarita Rana
Feb 18, 2017

#Fe_2O_3# = Iron (III) Oxide
#FeO# = Iron (II) Oxide

Explanation:

#Fe_2O_3# = Iron (III) Oxide:
Explains that the oxidation state of Iron in this compound #Fe_2O_3# is #Fe^(3+)#

#FeO# = Iron (II) Oxide: Explains that the oxidation state of Iron in this compound #FeO# is #Fe^(2+)#

Both are two different compounds, with different physical as well as chemical properties therefore it is must to mention the oxidation state along with the compound name.

Related questions
See all questions in Writing Ionic Formulas
Impact of this question
2223 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License