Question

So, give the balanced formula for rusting, 4Fe+3O2+6H2O= 4Fe(OH)3, what would be the charges of the 4 iron atoms at the beginning, meaning how many valance electrons would they have? I understand this is a really dumb question, but i can just not find the answer. Can anyone kindly help my stupid self, please?

Answer 1

the charges of the 4 iron atoms at the beginning is 0

Transition metals can use the electrons in their

d

subshells as valence electrons.

Thus, valence electrons for a transition metal are defined as electrons that reside outside a noble-gas core.

so let's answer your question!

Iron has an electron configuration

$1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^64s^23d^6$

or $[Ar]4s^23d^6$

The electrons outside the noble gas core are?

Right! The $4s^23d^6$

electrons.

Iron thus has 8 valence electrons!