Recovering Iron from Ferric Carbonate: Calculation and Practice
Introduction
Understanding how to recover iron from a compound like ferric carbonate (Fe2CO3) is not only a valuable skill in the laboratory but also a crucial aspect of metal recovery processes. This article will guide you through a detailed calculation to determine the amount of iron that can be recovered from a 115 g sample of Fe2CO3.
Understanding Ferric Carbonate
Ferric carbonate (Fe2CO3) is a hydrated form of iron carbonate, often found in nature and used in various industrial applications. The formula for ferric carbonate includes two iron atoms, three carbon atoms, and nine oxygen atoms. This article will explore the process of calculating how much iron can be recovered from a given sample of ferric carbonate.
Step-by-Step Calculation
To determine how many grams of iron can be recovered from a 115 g sample of ferric carbonate, we need to follow these steps:
Calculate the Molar Mass of Fe2CO3 Determine the Moles of Fe2CO3 Calculate the Amount of Iron in the Sample Convert Moles of Iron to Grams1. Calculate the Molar Mass of Fe2CO3
The molar mass of each element in the compound Fe2CO3 is as follows:
Iron (Fe): 55.85 g/mol Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/molThe molecular formula Fe2CO3 contains:
2 Fe atoms 3 C atoms 9 O atoms (since there are 3 carbonate ions, each containing 3 O atoms)The molar mass of Fe2CO3 is then calculated as:
Molar Mass (2 × 55.85) (3 × 12.01) (9 × 16.00) 111.70 36.03 144.00 291.73 g/mol
2. Determine the Moles of Fe2CO3 in the 115 g Sample
The number of moles of Fe2CO3 in the sample is calculated as:
Moles of Fe2CO3 115 g / 291.73 g/mol 0.394 mol
3. Calculate the Amount of Iron in the Sample
Each mole of Fe2CO3 contains 2 moles of iron Fe. Therefore, the moles of iron are:
Moles of Fe 0.394 mol × 2 0.788 mol
4. Convert Moles of Iron to Grams
The molar mass of iron (Fe) is 55.85 g/mol. The mass of iron in the sample is then:
Mass of Fe 0.788 mol × 55.85 g/mol 43.99 g
Therefore, the amount of iron that can be recovered from a 115 g sample of Fe2CO3 is approximately 44.0 grams.
Conclusion
In summary, by following the steps outlined above, we can accurately calculate the amount of iron that can be recovered from a given sample of ferric carbonate. This process is essential for understanding the composition of materials and optimizing recovery processes in various industries.
Practical Tips and Applications
1. Understanding the Molar Mass: Knowing the molar mass of ferric carbonate (291.72 g/mol) is crucial for precision in calculations.
2. Applications in Industry: This knowledge is particularly valuable in the metallurgy and mining industries, where the recovery of valuable metals like iron is critical.
3. Scientific Research: Accurate calculations like these are essential in scientific research to ensure precise and reproducible results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the molar mass of ferric carbonate?
The molar mass of ferric carbonate (Fe2CO3) is approximately 291.72 g/mol.
2. How do you calculate the moles of ferric carbonate in a sample?
To calculate the moles of ferric carbonate in a sample, divide the sample mass by its molar mass: Moles of Fe2CO3 Sample mass / Molar mass (291.72 g/mol).
3. Can this calculation help in metal recovery processes?
Yes, this calculation is fundamental in industrial metal recovery processes, as it helps in determining the amount of metal that can be recovered from a given sample.
Keywords
Ferric Carbonate, Iron Recovery, Molar Mass Calculation