Iron: A Transitional Element

Iron: A Transitional Element

What can be determined about Iron on the periodic table? First, we must first look at how the periodic table is set up. The periodic table is set up in periods and columns. There are 18 groups/columns and 7 periods. Columns denote the number of electrons in the elements outer shell or there valence electrons. Periods denote how many electron shells the element has. Since Iron/Fe is in the fourth row, eighth column, we can conclude that Iron/Fe has 6 valance electrons and 4 electron shells, which would make Fe moderately reactive. Fe is in the first row of the transitional elements, in section eight “B”, surrounded by metals, is a transitional metal it is near the center of the periodic table, and has an atomic number of 26 and an atomic mass of 55.85. People utilize different forms of iron, it can be found in the earth, the human body and products likely to be in your room, such as computers and furniture. Rust is commonly known a rust, but many times it is actually iron oxide. When iron oxide mixes with aluminum powder it can be ignited to create a thermite reaction, used in welding and purifying ores. Iron is a shiny grey color, but as it oxidizes it becomes rust. Iron can turn to a redish-brown color, due to the chemical reactions it has undergone. Iron is an element found in many foods. Dietary sources of iron are greatest in meat and seafood but other sources include nuts, beans, vegetables, and fortified grain products. People would have a difficult time being alive, if it were possible to live without iron at all. A benefit of iron is that hemoglobin uses iron to bind with oxygen, which enables human red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, and gives our cells and respiratory system the ability to breathe and live. Iron is also used at the active site of redox enzymes associated with cellular respiration and oxidation and reduction in plants and animals. Iron is a naturally occurring element, like many other elements it can also be chemically mixed with another element to form a new compound.
Increased levels of ferrous iron react with peroxides to produce free radicals, which are highly reactive and can damage DNA, proteins, lipids, and other cellular components. iron deficiencies can lead to anemia and too much iron in the body can lead to kidney and liver damage. Hazards associated with the processes utilizing iron is the pollution derived from many of the human products made, and the biological life that is prohibited by the existence of iron. Iron is included in many of these natural and unnatural processes for example, iron can be used in building of computers, kitchen utensils, furniture and skyscrapers. Cast iron is used to produce cookware, it is iron that is heated until it becomes a liquid and then it is poured into a mold that forms the skillet or pot. Cast iron is also used to produce pipes and automobile parts. Although, these products have a advanced technological and societal impact on humanity that many would