Final answer:
The charge of the metal iron in [Fe(OH)2(H2O)4]1+ is +3, determined by the charges of the hydroxide ions and the overall charge of the complex. Omitting the sign, the answer is 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The charge of the metal in the compound [Fe(OH)2(H2O)4]1+ can be found by considering the charges of the ligands and the overall charge of the complex. Hydroxide ions (OH-) each have a charge of -1, and since there are two of them, they contribute a total charge of -2. The water molecules are neutral. To balance the 1+ charge of the overall complex, the iron must have a charge that when combined with the hydroxide ions results in the complex having a 1+ charge.
Using the formula charge of metal + (charge of ligands) = overall charge, we have:
Fe charge + (-2) = +1
Therefore, the Fe charge = +3. Hence, the iron in [Fe(OH)2(H2O)4]1+ has a charge of +3, omitting the positive sign as requested.