Answer to Question #62492 in General Chemistry for maya

Question

The iron that is dissolved in seawater is in the Fe2+ form. The other ionic form, Fe3+, is found primarily in the sediment. What term best describes the relationship between Fe2+ and Fe3+?

Answer 1

Like many elements, iron (chemical symbol Fe) can exist in more than one chemical form, or "oxidation state". The two most common forms of iron are Fe(II), in which the iron ion shares two of its electrons, and Fe(III), in which it shares three electrons.
The oxidation state of iron is interesting and important because it dramatically affects the solubility of iron in seawater. Fe(II) is quite soluble in water. Fe(III) is quite insoluble in sea water.