Iron (Fe)
Iron (Fe, element 26) is a transition metal in group 8, period 4. Atomic mass 55.845, electron configuration [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s², uses and facts.
About Iron
Iron is a transition metal with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 8, period 4 of the periodic table. Iron has been known since antiquity.
Iron key facts
- Atomic number: 26
- Symbol: Fe
- Atomic mass: 55.845 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 8
- Period: 4
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.83
- Melting point: 1811 K (1537.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3134 K (2860.85 °C)
- Density: 7.874 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of iron is [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of iron
- Steel
- Hemoglobin
- Magnets
Did you know?
Earth's core is mostly iron. The iron in your blood comes from exploded ancient stars.
Other elements in group 8 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of iron?
The atomic number of iron is 26, which means every iron atom has 26 protons.
What is the electron configuration of iron?
The electron configuration of iron is [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s².
What group and period is iron in?
Iron is a transition metal in group 8, period 4.
What state is iron at room temperature?
Iron is a solid at room temperature.
What is iron used for?
Iron is used for steel, hemoglobin, magnets.