What is the minimum mass of magnetite , an iron ore, from which 180g of pure iron could be extracted?

Answer 1

What is magnetite?

Magnetite is considered to be Fe₃O₄ (it has both Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺). Molar mass = 231 g / mol

180 g Fe x 1 mol Fe / 55.85 g = 3.22 mols Fe

3.22 mols Fe x 1 mol Fe₃O₄ / 3 mols Fe = 1.074 mols Fe₃O₄

1.074 mols Fe₃O₄ x 231 g / mol = 248 g Fe₃O₄ needed to provide 180 g Fe