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.

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