Mammoth Memory

Reactions between iron and oxygen

Iron can form many different oxides. When iron is burnt and reacts with oxygen, it forms either iron (III) oxide, more commonly known as rust, or tri-iron tetroxide.

Iron + Oxygen Iron (III) oxide
4Fe + 3O2 2Fe2O3
Iron + Oxygen Tri-iron tetroxide
3Fe + 2O2 Fe3O4

 

Iron produces an orange flame when heated 

When iron burns it produces a bright orange flame. The iron (III) oxide produced has an orangey brown colour, while tri-iron tetroxide is dark grey or black. Iron oxide is insoluble in water.

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