FeS2 contains a polyatomic ion

FeS2 contains a polyatomic ion. Identify the ions in FeS2, and provide the correct name for the FeS2 compound. Provide the symbol and charge of the iron ion present in Fes2?

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

FeS₂ is a compound composed of iron (Fe) and sulfur (S). To break it down:

  1. Identify the ions:
    • FeS₂ contains two sulfur (S) atoms and one iron (Fe) atom. Sulfur, as an element, typically forms the sulfide ion (S²⁻), where the charge is -2.
    • Iron, being a transition metal, can form ions with varying charges. In the case of FeS₂, the iron ion is in the +2 oxidation state, meaning it forms a Fe²⁺ ion.
  2. The compound name:
    • The compound is iron disulfide, and it is commonly known as Iron(II) sulfide. The name reflects the +2 charge on the iron ion, indicating it is in the +2 oxidation state.
  3. Symbol and charge of the iron ion:
    • The iron ion in FeS₂ has the symbol Fe²⁺, where the charge is +2. This is because the sulfide ion (S²⁻) has a charge of -2, and two of these ions balance the +2 charge of the Fe²⁺ ion, creating a neutral compound.
  4. Overall charge balance:
    • In FeS₂, the total negative charge from the two sulfide ions is 2 * (-2) = -4.
    • The iron ion must balance this by having a +2 charge. Thus, Fe²⁺ pairs with two S²⁻ ions to form the neutral compound FeS₂.

Explanation:

Iron (Fe) is a transition metal, which allows it to exhibit multiple oxidation states. In FeS₂, iron has a +2 oxidation state, meaning it loses two electrons to become Fe²⁺. Sulfur typically forms sulfide ions with a -2 charge (S²⁻). The stoichiometry of the compound FeS₂ requires two sulfide ions to balance the +2 charge from the Fe²⁺ ion. Therefore, the overall charge of the compound is neutral, as the charges of the iron and sulfur ions cancel each other out.

Now, I will generate an image of FeS₂ showing the iron and sulfide ions.

Here is a diagram showing the structure of FeS₂, where the iron (Fe²⁺) ion is in the center, surrounded by two sulfide (S²⁻) ions. It illustrates the ionic bonds and the neutral charge of the compound. Let me know if you need any more details!

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