Question

When hcl reacts with finely divided iron it forms ferrous chloride and ferric chloride why?

Answer 1

As iron is more reactive then hydrogen so it displaces hydrogen from it's compound

Answer 2

Hey !!

Fe reacts with HCl to form FeCl₂ and H₂

                  Fe + 2 HCl ---> FeCl₂ + H₂                  

H₂ thus liberated prevents the oxidation of FeCl₂ to FeCl₃.

Good luck !!