Consider a non-stoichiometric sample of ferrous oxide exhibiting a metal deficiency defect with the — Solid State Chemistry Question
Question
Consider a non-stoichiometric sample of ferrous oxide exhibiting a metal deficiency defect with the formula $Fe_{0.98}O$. For every $100$ oxide ($O^{2-}$) ions in the lattice, exactly how many $Fe^{3+}$ ions must be present to maintain electrical neutrality?
Answer: 4
💡 Solution & Explanation
To maintain neutrality against 100 $O^{2-}$ ions (total charge $-200$), the 98 Fe ions must supply $+200$ charge. Let $x$ be $Fe^{3+}$ ions. Then $(98-x)$ are $Fe^{2+}$ ions. Equation: $3x + 2(98 - x) = 200 \implies x + 196 = 200 \implies x = 4$. So, there are exactly 4 $Fe^{3+}$ ions.
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