The chemical formula for iron is Fe.
Understanding the Iron Symbol
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The symbol "Fe" comes from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. This is the standard abbreviation used in the periodic table and chemical formulas worldwide.
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Iron's atomic number is 26, meaning it has 26 protons in its nucleus.
Iron in Compounds
While the formula for elemental iron is simply Fe, iron frequently combines with other elements to form compounds. These compounds have different formulas, depending on the other elements involved and the oxidation state of the iron. Examples include:
- Iron(II) oxide: FeO (Iron has a +2 charge)
- Iron(III) oxide: Fe₂O₃ (Iron has a +3 charge)
- Iron(II) sulfate: FeSO₄
- Iron(III) chloride: FeCl₃
The general formula for iron compounds with nonmetals is FeX, where X represents the nonmetal element or compound. The specific formula will depend on the charge of the nonmetal ion and the oxidation state of the iron (typically +2 or +3).
Iron in Infant Formula
Many infant formulas are iron-fortified to meet a baby's iron needs during the first year of life. The specific amount of iron will vary between brands and formulations. Note that some formulas exist that are iron-free, intended for specific medical needs.
(Reference: Information regarding iron in infant formula is drawn from multiple sources, including the provided snippets from HealthyChildren.org, FDA, Target, and Reddit.)
