Question

Why is Fe3 ion more stable than Fe2 ion?

Answer 1

The underlying principle involved in this is “Half-filled and fully-filled orbitals are extra stable”.

The d subshell has five orbitals, which can accommodate a maximum of 10 electrons.Fe+3 (3d5) has half filled orbitals which provide extra stability to it because of symmetrical configuration. While Fe+2(3d6) has one electron more than the symmetrical arrangement. That’s why Fe+3 is more stable than Fe+2.

 

Answer 2

principle involved in this is “ half-filled and fully-filled orbitals are extra stable .”

the d subshellhas five orbitals, which can acoomodate a total of 10 electrons.

Fe3+ (3d5)has half filled orbitals which provide extra stability to it because of symmetrical configuration. While Fe2+ (3d6) has one electron more than the symmetrical arrangement. That is whyFe3+ is more stable than Fe2+ .