Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a metal that is found in many minerals, including hematite and magnetite. It is the most abundant element on Earth and is essential to life. Iron is used in many industries, including the production of steel, electrical equipment, tools, and vehicles.
Iron has been known since ancient times and has been used by humans for thousands of years. In the past, it was used to make weapons, tools, and decorative items. Today, it is used in a variety of ways, including in the production of steel and other metal alloys.
- Name: Iron
- Symbol: Fe
- Atomic Number: 26
- Atomic Weight: 55.845 u
- Period: 4
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Iron Facts for Kids
- Iron is the most abundant element in the Earth’s core.
- Iron is a transition metal and is one of the three main elements in steel.
- Iron has the highest magnetic permeability of any element and is used to make magnets.
- Hemoglobin, which moves oxygen through the blood, can’t be made without Iron.
- The human body needs Iron, and not getting enough of it can cause anemia.
Types of Iron
Iron in Food
Heme iron
Heme iron is an organic form of Iron that is bound to a heme protein, making it more easily absorbed by the body. It is derived from animal sources, such as red meat, poultry, and fish, and is found in some plant-based foods, such as lentils, tofu, and tempeh.
Non-heme Iron
Non-heme Iron is an inorganic form of Iron that is not bound to a heme protein. It is found in both plant and animal sources but is not as easily absorbed by the body as heme iron. Sources of non-heme Iron include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans, fortified cereals, and dried fruit.
It is important to note that both forms of Iron are essential for good health and that the body is better able to absorb heme iron than non-heme Iron. Therefore, it is recommended to consume a variety of sources of both heme and non-heme Iron for optimal health.
Iron Used in Construction
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a ferrous alloy made from Iron, carbon, and silicon. It is extremely hard and brittle, making it difficult to work with. Its high melting point makes it ideal for use in foundry molds. It is commonly used for cookware, as well as for machine parts such as engine blocks and cylinder heads.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a ferrous alloy made from Iron and carbon. It is much more ductile than cast iron and is used for ornamental purposes such as fencing and railings. It is also used for structural applications such as bridges, buildings, and other large structures.
White Iron
White Iron is a ferrous alloy made from Iron and carbon. It is much harder and more brittle than wrought Iron and is used for industrial applications such as wear plates, crusher jaws, and hammers.
Gray Iron
Gray iron is a ferrous alloy made from Iron, carbon, and silicon. It is more ductile than cast iron and is used for applications such as engine blocks, brake discs, and machine tools.
Ductile Iron
Ductile Iron is a ferrous alloy made from Iron, carbon, magnesium, and other alloying elements. It is much more ductile than gray Iron and is used for applications such as pipes, valves, and other components that require strength and flexibility.
Malleable Iron
Malleable Iron is a ferrous alloy made from Iron and carbon. It is much more ductile than cast iron and is used for applications such as nuts, bolts, fittings, and hinges.
The Biological and pathological role of Iron
Iron is essential for life because it helps to carry oxygen throughout the body and is involved in the production of energy. It is also required for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. Iron is also important for the synthesis of several hormones, enzymes, and proteins.
It plays an important role in many pathological processes. It is used in the production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells. Iron is also involved in the formation of collagen, which is an important structural protein in the body. Iron is also required for the production of several neurotransmitters, which are important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
In addition to its biological and pathological roles, Iron is also important for the production of several industrial products. Iron is used to make steel, which is used in a variety of construction and engineering applications. Iron is also important for the manufacture of several tools, such as hammers and other tools used in construction.
Iron is an essential element for life, and it is important for the proper functioning of the body. Without Iron, the body would be unable to produce the energy and red blood cells necessary for life. Iron is also important for the production of several industrial products, including steel and tools.
Iron deficiency affects nearly half of women worldwide, especially those who live in developing countries. Iron levels can be affected by diet, pregnancy, and certain diseases. In some cases, iron supplements may be recommended to help prevent or treat iron deficiencies.
What Is The Role Of Iron In Our Body?
Iron is an essential nutrient needed for growth and development. It is also required to maintain good health. Iron is found in foods like
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Beans
- Lentils
- Spinach
The History of Iron
Its discovery is attributed to the ancient Hittites of Anatolia, somewhere between 5000 and 3000 BCE. Iron was also used in Egypt, Assyria, and Greece, and its use spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.
Iron has many uses, and its primary application is in the production of steel. Steel is a strong, durable, and malleable alloy of Iron and carbon. Steel has been used since ancient times, as evidenced by its use in tools and weapons. The development of modern steel production began in the 18th century with the invention of the Bessemer process. This process allowed for the mass production of steel, and it revolutionized the industrial production of Iron and steel.
The chemical properties of Iron have been studied for centuries. The element was first isolated by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, and English scientist Henry Cavendish confirmed the discovery. In 1784, French chemist Antoine Lavoisier demonstrated the elemental nature of Iron.
More Super Fun Iron Facts for Kids
- The word Iron is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘iron,’ which means metal.
- Iron makes up 5.6% of the Earth’s crust, making it one of the most abundant metals.
- Too much Iron in the body can be dangerous. While 20mg of Iron per kilogram of body weight is considered toxic, 60mg can be fatal.
- Iron is a structural constituent of the sun, stars, and planets like Mars.
- The iron Age succeeded Bronze Age and started around 1200BC.
- Cast iron is created by heating iron alloy into a liquid state and then pouring it into a mold. This procedure was devised by the Chinese in the 5th Century BC.
- The human body acquires necessary iron nutrition through diet. Red meat, green leafy vegetables, fish, and beans are good sources of dietary Iron.
- The process of smelting actually hardens the Iron and makes it strong enough to be used for various purposes.
- Iron’s alloy, steel, can be interesting, 1000 times harder than Iron itself.
- The presence of Iron in blood gives it a deep red color.
- The iron tools were first manufactured around 3600 BC.
- Iron is the most widely used metal and accounts for 95% of the total metal production of the world.
- Powdered Iron is also used for manufacturing automobile parts and magnetic alloys.
- Saturn and Jupiter are two planets with very iron-rich cores.
- China is the world’s largest iron-producing country and accounts for 33% of the world’s iron production.
- Iron has a melting point of 1538°C and a boiling point of 2862°C.
- Most of the Iron found on the surface of the planet earth is in the shape of iron oxides because Iron oxidizes upon contact with air. The most common iron oxides are hematite and magnetite.
