Final answer:
When an iron ion with the symbol Fe²⁺ loses an electron, it forms a Fe³⁺ ion. This happens as electrons are lost from the outermost electron orbitals of iron, specifically from the 4s or the 3d orbitals. Iron's ability to lose different numbers of electrons allows it to form cations with various charges, leading to different compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an ion of iron with the symbol Fe²⁺ loses an electron, a Fe³⁺ ion of iron is formed. The electron lost is typically from the outermost electron shell, and in the case of iron, it is from its 4s orbital or one of the 3d electrons. Iron can form multiple cation states, and the Fe³⁺ ion is generated when an additional electron is lost from an Fe²⁺ ion, which already has lost two electrons, creating a compound with unique physical and chemical properties in comparison to that created with the Fe²⁺ ion.