Question

Iron(III) sulfate [Fe2(SO4)3] is composed of Fe3+ and SO42- ions. Explain why a sample of iron(III) sulfate is uncharged.

a) Equal number of protons and electrons
b) Excess protons
c) Excess electrons
d) Neutralization of charges

Answer 1

Iron(III) sulfate is uncharged due to the neutralization of charges between iron(III) ions (Fe³⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻), balancing out the overall compound to be electrically neutral.

Correct option: d) Neutralization of charges.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Iron(III) sulfate [Fe₂(SO₄)₃], each iron(III) ion (Fe³⁺) carries a +3 charge, and each sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) carries a -2 charge. The combination of two iron(III) ions with three sulfate ions results in a total positive charge of +6 from iron ions and a total negative charge of -6 from sulfate ions.

The charges neutralize each other, ensuring the compound is electrically neutral. This balancing act is fundamental in ionic compounds, where the sum of positive and negative charges must be equal, maintaining the overall charge neutrality of the compound.

Correct option: d) Neutralization of charges.