Atomic number:26

Group numbers:8

Period:4

Electronic configuration:[Ar] 3d⁶ 4s²

Formal oxidation number:+2 +3

Electronegativities:1.83

Atomic radius / pm:124.1

Relative atomic mass:55.845 ± 0.002

 

Iron has been known since ancient times. The origin of the name comes from the Latin word ferrum meaning iron. It is a malleable, ferromagnetic, ductile, silvery-white metal. Exposed surfaces form red-brown oxides. Iron forms very strong alloys (steel). Iron dust flammable. It's the Fourth most abundant element in the earth's crust. Iron is obtained from iron ores. Pure metal is produced in blast furnaces by layering limestone, coke and iron ore and forcing hot gasses into the bottom. This heats the coke red hot and the iron is reduced from its oxides and liquefied where it flows to the bottom. Iron is the most common metal in human society. More than 90% of all metal refined in the world is iron. It is used in steel and other alloys. Iron is the chief constituent of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in blood vessels. It's oxides are used in magnetic tapes and disks.

Density / g dm^-3:7874 (293 K)

 7035 (m.p.)

Molar volume / cm³mol^-1:7.09 (293 K)

 7.94 (m.p.)

Electrical resistivity / μΩcm:9.71 (20 °C)

Thermal conductivity / W m^-1K^-1:80.2

Melting point / °C:1538

Boiling point / °C:2861

Heat of fusion / kJ mol^-1:14.9

Heat of vaporization / kJ mol^-1:340.2

Heat of atomization / kJ mol^-1:413.96

1st ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:762.47

2nd ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:1561.90

3rd ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:2957.49

in the atmosphere / ppm:-

in the Earth's crust / ppm:70700

in the oceans / ppm:0.01