Question 15-16 is based on the following given information: A sample of ferrous oxide has actual formula Fe0.93O. In this sample what fraction of metal ions are Fe2+ ions?
Let the formula of sample be
(Fe2+)x(Fe3+)yO.
On looking at the given formula of the compound
x + y = 0.93 ... (1)
Total positive charge on ferrous and ferric ions should balance the two
Units of negative charge on oxygen. Therefore,
2x + 3y = 2 ... (2)
⇒ x+(32)y=1 …(3)
On subtracting equation (1) from equation (3) we have
(y2) = 0.07 => y =0.14
On putting the value of y in equation (1) we get,
x + 0.14 = 0.93
⇒ x = 0.93 – 0.14
x = 0.79
Fraction of Fe2+ ions present in the sample =(0.790.93)=0.81