In FeCl₃, the iron ion carries a 3+ charge to offset the 3- charge from the three chloride ions, maintaining overall electrical neutrality in the compound.
In the ionic compound FeCl₃, iron (Fe) is in the 3+ oxidation state. To determine the charge on the Fe ion, it is essential to recognize the charge on the chloride ion (Cl⁻). Chlorine typically forms ions with a 1- charge, as it gains one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. In FeCl₃, there are three chloride ions, each carrying a 1- charge. To maintain electrical neutrality in the compound, the total positive charge from the iron ion must balance the total negative charge from the chloride ions.
Since there are three chloride ions with a total charge of 3-, the iron ion must have a 3+ charge to balance the equation: 3- (from chloride ions) + 3+ (from iron ion) = 0. Therefore, the iron ion in FeCl₃ has a 3+ charge.
In summary, the charge on the iron (Fe) ion in FeCl₃ is 3+ because it needs to balance the combined 3- charge from the three chloride ions.