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Iron - Definition, Types, Process, Properties & Uses, FAQs

Iron - Definition, Types, Process, Properties & Uses, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:35 PM IST

Iron Definition:

Iron Meaning: Iron metal is the first metal in the transition series, with an Fe atomic number of 26 and the symbol Fe element (Ferrum). Iron metal is not only abundant in the earth's core and surface, but it is also the most prevalent metal on the planet's surface. Iron metal is also the fourth most frequent element found on the earth's surface, after all the other metals on the list. Iron chemical formula.is Fe. Iron metal, like the other Group 8 elements ruthenium and osmium, exists in a wide range of oxidation states, ranging from 2 to 7, with +2 and +3 being the most prevalent.

This Story also Contains
  1. Iron Definition:
  2. Melting Point of Iron Metal(fe)
  3. Types of Iron Metal – Heavy Metal
  4. Uses of Iron Metal
  5. Physical Properties of Iron Metal
  6. Industrial Routes
  7. Blast Furnace Processing
  8. Direct iron Metal Reduction

Elemental iron metal is found in shooting stars and other low-oxygen settings, but when combined with oxygen and water, it becomes charged. Fresh iron metal surfaces appear gleaming silvery-gray, but in a normal air environment, they oxidize to form hydrated iron metal oxides, which are most widely known as rust. Unlike metals that produce passive oxide layers, iron metal oxides take up more space than the metal and hence flake off, exposing new corrosion-prone surfaces. The iron atomic mass or Fe atomic mass is 55.845u.

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Melting Point of Iron Metal(fe)

At a depth of 5150 km under the Earth, the melting point of iron metal of iron element (Fe) at the outer (liquid) core-inner (solid) core (330 GPa) pressures was suggested to offer an absolute temperature limit. Initial studies of the melting ties in the Fe-Ni-O-S system below 20 GPa revealed that geochemically feasible iron element alloys lowered the Fe solidus from 2200 to 1150K. The symbol of iron or iron symbol is Fe. The density of iron is 77.87 g/cm3 near room temperature.

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Add-on alloys also reduce the melting range (lower). Pure iron metal (Fe) has a set melting point of iron metal of 1535 ° C, chromium (Cr) of 1890 ° C, and nickel (Ni) of 1453 ° C, but stainless steel of type 304 has a melting temperature of 1400-1450 ° C.

Types of Iron Metal – Heavy Metal

Iron metal is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and iron metal atomic number 26 in the periodic table. Iron is a group 8 and period 4 metal. Iron metal is significant for being the heaviest metal created by star nucleosynthesis, and hence the heaviest element that does not need the production of a supernova or other equally cataclysmic event. As a result, it is the universe's most abundant heavy metal.

Iron metal is the most prevalent metal on Earth and the tenth most plentiful element in the universe, according to scientists. Iron is a most prevalent element in the Earth's layers, ranging from high concentrations in the inner core to around 5% in the outer crust. It's possible that the Earth's inner core is made up of a single iron metal crystal, though it's more likely to be a mixture of iron metal and nickel. The Earth's magnetic field is assumed to be influenced by a substantial amount of iron metal. Iron metal is a metal that has been separated from its magnetic field. Iron metal is a metal that is derived from iron metal ore and is rarely encountered in its pure form.

Steel, which is not an element but an alloy made up of other metals and some non-metals, mainly carbon, is made using iron metal.

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Uses of Iron Metal

It's used to make steel, as well as in civil engineering applications like reinforced concrete and girders.

Nickel, chromium, vanadium, tungsten, and manganese are added to iron metal to form alloy steels similar to carbon steels.

These are employed in the construction of bridges, power pylons, bicycle chains, cutting tools, and rifle barrels, among other things.

Cast iron metal has a carbon content of 3–5%. Pipes, valves, and pumps are all made of it.

In the Haber process, iron metal catalysts are employed to produce ammonia.

This metal, as well as its alloys and compounds, can be used to make magnets.

Physical Properties of Iron Metal

It rusts in moist air but not in dry air, and it dissolves easily in dilute acids.

This metal is in the form of ferrite or -form at normal temperature.

At 910°C, it transforms into -iron metal, a considerably softer metal in nature.

It melts at 1536 degrees Celsius and boils at 2861 degrees Celsius.

Being a metal has a magnetic property.

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Industrial Routes

The process of producing iron metal or steel is divided into two parts. Pig iron metal is made in the initial step in a blast furnace. On the other hand, it may be reduced immediately. Pig iron metal is turned into wrought iron metal, steel, or cast iron metal in the second stage.

Pure iron metal is generated in the laboratory in small quantities as needed by reducing the amount of pure oxide or hydroxide with hydrogen or generating iron metal pent carbonyl and heating it to 250 °C until it decomposes into pure iron metal powder. Electrolysis of ferrous chloride onto an iron metal cathode is another approach.

Blast Furnace Processing

Industrial iron metal production begins with iron metal ores, primarily hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4), which have the nominal formula Fe2O3 and Fe3O4, respectively. The treatment of these ores with carbon, known as the carbothermic process, reduces them to metal. Typically, the adaptation is carried out in a blast furnace at temperatures of around 2000 °C. Coke serves as a source of carbon. A flux, such as limestone, is employed in the process to remove siliceous minerals in the ore that would otherwise block the furnace. The coke and limestone are fed into the top of the furnace, while a powerful blast of air heated to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 4 tonnes per tonne of iron metal, is forced into the bottom.

Coke combines with O2 in the air blast of the furnace to produce CO (Carbon monoxide):

2 C + O2 → 2 CO

Carbon monoxide reduces the iron metal ore (hematite in the chemical equation below) to molten iron metal, which is then converted to carbon dioxide:

Fe2O3 + 3 CO → 2 Fe + 3 CO2

Some iron metal reacts directly with the coke in the high-temperature bottom region of the furnace:

2 Fe2O3 + 3 C → 4 Fe + 3 CO2

Limestone (calcium carbonate) and dolomite are the main fluxes used to melt impurities in the ore (calcium-magnesium carbonate). Other fluxes are used on the ore's details. The limestone flux decomposes to calcium oxide (commonly known as quicklime) at the high temperature of the furnace:

CaCO3 → CaO + CO2

After that, calcium oxide and silicon dioxide combine to form a liquid slag.

CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3

At the high temperature of the furnace, the slag dissolves. Molten slag floats on top of the denser molten iron metal in the furnace's base, and vents in the furnace's corner are opened to let the iron metal and slag run off separately. The cooled iron metal is known as pig iron metal, and the slag material can be utilized in road building or to improve mineral-poor agricultural soils.

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Direct iron Metal Reduction

Other techniques of generating iron metal have been developed as a result of environ metal mental concerns.

Two major reactions contain the direct reduction process:

Natural gas is oxidized to some extent (with heat and a catalyst):

2 CH4 + O2 → 2 CO + 4 H2

After that, the iron metal ore is processed with gases in a furnace to produce solid sponge iron metal:

Fe2O3 + CO + 2 H2 → 2 Fe + CO2 + 2 H2O

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the importance of the element iron metal ?

It is a steel building block

 It aids in the transmission of oxygen in the blood 

  It provides in the nutrition of plants.

2. 2. Why does iron metal have a high melting point?

To melt or boil a metal, you must overcome the attraction between the metal ions and the displaced electrons. Metals have high melting and boiling temperatures due to such strong attraction forces.

3. 3. What are the properties and uses of iron metal?

It is a smooth, greyish metal, rusting in the humid weather. Iron metal is an enigma – it quickly rusts but it remains the most significant of all metals. Of all the metal processed today, 90 per cent is iron metal and the bulk is used for steel construction, used in construction engineering (reinforced concrete, girders, etc.) and manufacturing.

4. 4. What is the boiling point of iron metal?

Iron metal has a boiling point of 2861 degrees Celsius. Steel is a simple form of iron metal that has been processed to control the amount of carbon in it. At around 1750 ° F, iron metal melts from the surface (1510 degrees C). At 1370 degrees Celsius, steel begins to corrode.

5. 5. What are the types of iron metal?

They are classed as (i) plain iron metal, (ii) wrought iron metal, (iii) cast iron metal, (iv) pig iron metal, and (v) direct reduced iron metal. Pure iron metal is a word that refers to new iron metal that has been produced in an electric arc furnace at temperatures high enough to melt the iron metal.

6. How does the iron ore extraction process work?
Iron ore extraction typically involves mining iron-rich rocks, crushing and grinding the ore, and then separating the iron from other minerals. This is often done through a process called smelting, where the ore is heated with carbon (usually coke) in a blast furnace. The carbon reduces the iron oxides to metallic iron, which can then be further refined.
7. What is the significance of iron in the development of clean energy technologies?
Iron plays important roles in clean energy technologies:
8. How does iron contribute to the Earth's heat budget?
Iron contributes to Earth's heat budget in several ways:
9. How does iron interact with other elements to form different types of steel?
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, but other elements can be added to create various types of steel with different properties:
10. What is the role of iron in the formation and properties of ceramics?
Iron plays several roles in ceramics:
11. What are some methods to prevent iron from rusting?
Several methods can prevent iron from rusting:
12. How does the presence of iron impurities affect the properties of other materials?
Iron impurities can significantly alter the properties of other materials:
13. How does the corrosion behavior of iron differ in various environments?
The corrosion of iron varies significantly depending on the environment:
14. What is the role of iron in catalysis?
Iron plays a significant role in catalysis, both in industrial processes and biological systems:
15. How does the presence of iron affect the properties of glass?
Iron can significantly influence glass properties:
16. What is the significance of iron in the development of nanotechnology?
Iron plays several important roles in nanotechnology:
17. How does the Curie temperature relate to iron's magnetic properties?
The Curie temperature is the point at which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetism and becomes paramagnetic. For iron, this occurs at about 770°C (1,418°F). Above this temperature, thermal energy overcomes the alignment of magnetic domains, causing iron to lose its ferromagnetic properties. This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, including induction heating and magnetic data storage.
18. What is the role of iron in the development of high-temperature superconductors?
Iron plays a significant role in certain types of high-temperature superconductors:
19. What is iron and where is it found in the periodic table?
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is located in the d-block of the periodic table, specifically in Group 8 and Period 4. Iron is the fourth most abundant element in Earth's crust and is classified as a transition metal.
20. Why is iron considered a transition metal?
Iron is considered a transition metal because it has partially filled d-orbitals in its electron configuration. This characteristic allows iron to form multiple oxidation states and complex ions, which contribute to its diverse chemical properties and applications.
21. What is the relationship between iron and supernova explosions?
Iron plays a crucial role in the life cycle of massive stars. It's the last element produced by nuclear fusion in these stars before they explode as supernovae. The production of elements heavier than iron requires energy input, which occurs during the supernova explosion. This process is responsible for dispersing iron and heavier elements throughout the universe.
22. What role does iron play in soil chemistry and plant nutrition?
Iron is an essential micronutrient for plants:
23. How does the presence of iron affect the color of minerals and gemstones?
Iron is a common chromophore in minerals and gemstones, meaning it can impart color to these materials. The specific color depends on the oxidation state of iron and its coordination environment. For example:
24. How does the crystal structure of iron change with temperature and pressure?
Iron exhibits polymorphism, meaning its crystal structure changes under different conditions:
25. What is the significance of iron in the formation of planetary magnetic fields?
Iron is crucial for the generation of planetary magnetic fields through the dynamo effect. This occurs when a rotating, convecting, and electrically conducting fluid (like molten iron in a planet's outer core) generates a self-sustaining magnetic field. Earth's magnetic field, primarily generated by its iron-rich core, protects the planet from solar wind and cosmic radiation, playing a vital role in maintaining our atmosphere and supporting life.
26. How does iron behave under extreme conditions, such as those found in planetary interiors?
Under extreme conditions, iron exhibits unique behaviors:
27. How does the electron configuration of iron explain its magnetic properties?
Iron's electron configuration ([Ar] 3d6 4s2) results in unpaired electrons in its d-orbitals. These unpaired electrons give iron its ferromagnetic properties, allowing it to be strongly attracted to magnets and form permanent magnets when its atoms align in a crystal structure.
28. What is the difference between ferromagnetism, paramagnetism, and diamagnetism?
These terms describe different magnetic behaviors of materials:
29. What are the most common oxidation states of iron?
The most common oxidation states of iron are +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric). Iron(II) compounds are typically pale green, while iron(III) compounds are often reddish-brown. The ability to exist in multiple oxidation states is a key feature of iron's chemistry and biological importance.
30. How does rusting occur, and why is it a problem for iron structures?
Rusting is the oxidation of iron in the presence of oxygen and water. It forms iron(III) oxide-hydroxide, which is porous and flaky. This process weakens iron structures by gradually converting the metal to rust, which can lead to structural failure. Rusting is a significant problem in construction, transportation, and other industries that rely on iron-based materials.
31. How does the atomic structure of iron contribute to its ability to form different compounds?
Iron's atomic structure, with its partially filled d-orbitals, allows it to form compounds with various coordination numbers and geometries. This flexibility in bonding enables iron to participate in a wide range of chemical reactions and form diverse compounds, including complex ions and organometallic compounds.
32. What is the difference between cast iron and wrought iron?
Cast iron is an alloy with a high carbon content (2-4%), making it hard but brittle. It's formed by pouring molten iron into molds. Wrought iron, on the other hand, has a very low carbon content (<0.08%) and is more malleable and ductile. It's formed by heating and working the iron to remove impurities.
33. How does the isotopic composition of iron provide information about geological and biological processes?
Iron has four stable isotopes (54Fe, 56Fe, 57Fe, and 58Fe) whose relative abundances can vary slightly due to different geological and biological processes. These variations, though small, can be measured precisely and used to:
34. How does the presence of iron affect the chemistry of stars?
Iron plays a pivotal role in stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis:
35. What is the relationship between iron and the formation of planetary systems?
Iron is a key player in planetary formation:
36. How does the isotopic composition of iron provide insights into early Earth and solar system formation?
Iron isotopes serve as important tracers in studying early Earth and solar system processes:
37. What is the significance of iron in biological systems?
Iron plays a crucial role in biological systems, particularly in oxygen transport. It's a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also essential for many enzymes involved in cellular respiration and DNA synthesis. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and other health issues.
38. What is the significance of iron in archaeology and anthropology?
Iron has played a crucial role in human history, marking the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. The ability to smelt and work iron led to advances in agriculture, warfare, and technology. Archaeologists use the presence and type of iron artifacts to date sites and understand technological development in ancient societies.
39. What is the importance of iron in Earth's core, and how does it affect the planet?
Iron is the primary component of Earth's core, existing in both liquid (outer core) and solid (inner core) states. This iron-rich core generates Earth's magnetic field through the dynamo effect, which protects the planet from harmful solar radiation and plays a crucial role in navigation and the stability of the atmosphere.
40. How does the reactivity of iron compare to other metals in the periodic table?
Iron is moderately reactive compared to other metals. It's more reactive than copper or silver but less reactive than alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. This moderate reactivity allows iron to form compounds relatively easily but also makes it stable enough for widespread use in construction and manufacturing.
41. What is the role of iron in the carbon cycle and climate change?
Iron plays a significant role in the carbon cycle, particularly in ocean ecosystems. It's a limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in many parts of the ocean. Increased iron availability can stimulate phytoplankton blooms, which absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere. This relationship has led to proposals for iron fertilization as a potential method to mitigate climate change, though it remains controversial.
42. What is the principle behind iron-based contrast agents in medical imaging?
Iron-based contrast agents, particularly superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These agents work by altering the magnetic relaxation times of nearby water protons, enhancing contrast in MRI scans. They're particularly useful for imaging the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, as these organs naturally take up the iron particles.

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Questions related to

Have a question related to ?
what devolve in water Salt sand iron rock

Hii,

When you put salt, sand, iron, and rock in water, they act differently:

Salt dissolves in water, forming a solution.
Sand does not dissolve. It remains as individual grains in water.
Iron can rust in water if exposed to oxygen, although it does not dissolve easily.
Rock also does not dissolve in water. It may split into tiny pieces over time, but it remains solid.

In brief, salt dissolves in water, but sand, iron, and rock remain largely unchanged.

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Saurabh Yadav 07 May,2025

Question : Comprehension:

In the given passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.

Ragi is a popular annual plant that is (1) _________ with healthy nutrients. It is a good (2)_______ of iron, protein, calcium and (3) ________ minerals. It is also rich in fibre and (4)_______ in weight loss as it contains (5) ______ saturated fats.

Question:

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.5

Option 1: applicable

Option 2: negligible

Option 3: communicable

Option 4: negotiable

Correct Answer: negligible


Solution : The second option is correct.

Negligible: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant.

As per the context of the sentence, the above-mentioned plant contains a very insignificant amount of saturated fats.

Hence, we find that the adjective negligible is the correct choice here.

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Team Careers360 27 January,2024

Question : Comprehension:
 Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Key factors influencing subway air pollution will include station depth, date of construction, type of ventilation (natural/air conditioning), types of brakes (electromagnetic or conventional brake pads) and wheels (rubber or steel) used on the trains, train frequency and more recently the presence or absence of platform screen-door systems. In particular, much subway particulate matter is sourced from moving train parts such as wheels and brake pads, as well as from the steel rails and power-supply materials, making the particles dominantly iron-containing. To date, there is no clear epidemiological indication of abnormal health effects on underground workers and commuters. New York subway workers have been exposed to such air without significant observed impacts on their health, and no increased risk of lung cancer was found among subway train drivers in the Stockholm subway system. But a note of caution is struck by the observations of scholars who found that employees working on the platforms of Stockholm underground, where PM concentrations were greatest, tended to have higher levels of risk markers for cardiovascular disease than ticket sellers and train drivers. The dominantly ferrous particles are mixed with particles from a range of other sources, including rock ballast from the track, biological aerosols such as bacteria and viruses, and air from the outdoors, and driven through the tunnel system on turbulent air currents generated by the trains themselves and ventilation systems.

Question

What is the tone of the speaker?

Option 1: Serious

Option 2: Pessimistic

Option 3: Joyful

Option 4: Informal

Correct Answer: Serious


Solution : The correct option is the first option.

Explanation:
The tone of the speaker is serious as it discusses various factors influencing subway air pollution, particularly focusing on the sources of particulate matter, health risks for subway workers, and the mix of particles within the subway system.

The language used is factual and analytical, examining the potential health impacts without conclusive evidence and citing observations and studies. There's a sense of concern and caution regarding the potential health risks associated with subway air pollution, which contributes to an overall serious tone in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is serious.

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Team Careers360 26 January,2024

Question : Which of the following regions of India has the maximum concentration of iron and steel industries?

Option 1: Western Ghats

Option 2: Deccan Plateau

Option 3: Chhota Nagpur Plateau

Option 4: Indo-Gangetic plains

Correct Answer: Chhota Nagpur Plateau


Solution : The correct option is the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.

The Chhota Nagpur plateau is rich in iron ore and coal, making it a prominent hub for iron and steel production in the country. Other resources like coal, manganese, and bauxite are also present in this region. It covers the regions of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Odisha.

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Team Careers360 24 January,2024

Question : Slow and uniform cooling of hot iron in its metallurgy is known as:

Option 1: quenching

Option 2: tempering

Option 3: chilling

Option 4: annealing

Correct Answer: annealing


Solution : The correct option is annealing.

Annealing is the term for the gradual and homogeneous cooling of hot iron in its metallurgy. A metal, such as iron, is heated to a certain temperature and then slowly cooled as part of the annealing process to improve its qualities, lessen internal tensions, and increase its overall structure and characteristics.

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Team Careers360 25 January,2024
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