Iron (Fe)
| Atomic Number | 26 |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 55.8452 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Electron Config | [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s² |
| Appearance | lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge |
| Density (STP) | 7874 g/L |
| Melting Point | 1811 K |
| Boiling Point | 3134 K |
| Electronegativity | 1.83 (Pauling) |
| Ionization Energy | 762.5 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 140 pm |
| Crystal Structure | Body-centered Cubic |
| Discovered By | Ancient civilizations (-2000) |
Brief Introduction
Iron (Fe) is a lustrous, silvery-gray, ductile, and magnetic metal that is the fourth most abundant element in Earth's crust. It is the most widely used of all metals and is essential for nearly all living organisms. Key details about Iron (Fe) are as follows:
Uses: Dominates construction and manufacturing as steel (iron-carbon alloys with varying properties), used in vehicles, buildings, machinery, tools, appliances, and infrastructure. Pure iron used in electromagnets, catalysts, and as a dietary supplement. Cast iron and wrought iron have specific applications.
Production/Extraction: Extracted from iron ores (hematite, magnetite) through smelting in blast furnaces using coke (carbon) to reduce iron oxides. China produces over half of global iron. Direct reduced iron (DRI) and electric arc furnaces are alternative methods.
History: Used since prehistoric times (Iron Age began around 1200 BCE). Meteoritic iron was the earliest source. Widespread iron smelting revolutionized human civilization. The Bessemer process (1856) and later improvements enabled mass steel production.
Health Effects & Safety: Iron is essential for hemoglobin (oxygen transport), enzymes, and cellular respiration. Deficiency causes anemia; excess causes organ damage (hemochromatosis). Metallic iron rusts readily and fine iron powder is flammable and can spontaneously ignite.
Price/Market: Iron ore prices fluctuate with global steel demand, particularly from China. Cheap and abundant. Scrap steel recycling is economically significant. Foundational to modern economy and infrastructure.
Properties: Ferromagnetic (becomes magnetized), relatively reactive (rusts in moist air), ductile and malleable, high tensile strength, melting point 1538°C, exhibits +2 and +3 oxidation states, and forms alloys easily.
← Manganese (Mn) · Cobalt (Co) →