The most common and stable chemical formula for oxidized iron (specifically, ferric oxide or iron(III) oxide) is Fe₂O₃.
This formula represents the compound commonly known as rust. Iron, when exposed to oxygen and moisture, undergoes oxidation. While various iron oxides can form depending on the oxidation state of the iron, Fe₂O₃ is the most prevalent.
Here's a breakdown:
- Fe: Represents the element Iron.
- O: Represents the element Oxygen.
- 2: Indicates there are two iron atoms.
- 3: Indicates there are three oxygen atoms.
Therefore, the formula Fe₂O₃ signifies that two iron atoms are chemically bonded with three oxygen atoms, resulting in ferric oxide, which is a common form of oxidized iron. Other iron oxides exist, such as FeO (ferrous oxide) and Fe₃O₄ (magnetite), but Fe₂O₃ is the most commonly encountered "oxidized iron."
