Iron Ion Formation and Electron Configuration

This video tutorial explains how to write the electron configuration for iron (Fe) and its ions, Fe2+ and Fe3+. It begins with an introduction to electron configuration and the atomic structure of iron, followed by a detailed step-by-step guide to writing the electron configuration using the periodic table. The video also covers the condensed notation using argon as a reference and explains how to adjust the configuration for Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions by removing electrons. The tutorial concludes with a summary of the configurations for iron and its ions.

What is the atomic number of iron, and how many electrons does a neutral iron atom have?

• 28 and 28 electrons

• 30 and 30 electrons

• 24 and 24 electrons

• 26 and 26 electrons

Which orbital block do we start with when writing the electron configuration for iron?

• 4s

• 1s

• 3d

• 2p

How many electrons can the 3d orbital hold, and how many are needed for iron?

• 6 electrons, 2 needed

• 12 electrons, 8 needed

• 8 electrons, 4 needed

• 10 electrons, 6 needed

What is the noble gas used in the condensed electron configuration notation for iron?

• Neon

• Krypton

• Xenon

• Argon

In the condensed notation for iron, which orbitals are written after the noble gas symbol?

• 5s2 and 4d6

• 2s2 and 2p6

• 4s2 and 3d6

• 3s2 and 3p6

How many electrons are removed to form the Fe2+ ion from neutral iron?

• 3 electrons

• 2 electrons

• 4 electrons

• 1 electron

Which orbital loses electrons first when forming the Fe2+ ion?

• 3d

• 2p

• 4s

• 3s

How many electrons are removed in total to form the Fe3+ ion from neutral iron?

• 1 electron

• 2 electrons

• 3 electrons

• 4 electrons

What is the final electron configuration for the Fe3+ ion?

• [Ar] 4s1 3d5

• [Ar] 4s2 3d4

• [Ar] 3d5

• [Ar] 3d6

Why are electrons removed from the 4s orbital before the 3d orbital when forming ions?

• 4s has higher energy

• 3d has higher energy

• 3d is closer to the nucleus

• 4s is closer to the nucleus