Which is the correct chemical formula of magnetite?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

DSSSB PGT Chemistry (Female) Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jul, 2018 Shift 1)

Answer 1

CONCEPT:

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄)

Magnetite is a naturally occurring mineral and one of the most common iron oxides.
The chemical formula of magnetite is Fe₃O₄, which represents a mixed oxide of iron.
It consists of both Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions in a specific ratio that balances the charges.
Magnetite is distinct from other iron oxides, such as hematite (Fe₂O₃), due to its unique structure and magnetic properties.

EXPLANATION:

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Magnetite is a mixed oxide where the chemical composition is FeO·Fe₂O₃, resulting in the formula Fe₃O₄.
It exhibits ferrimagnetism due to its unique arrangement of iron ions and is commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2: Fe₃O₄.