Iron Anodic Oxidation Half-Reaction

Shows the anodic step where an iron atom leaves the metal lattice as a ferrous ion, releasing two electrons. This is the structural electron loss that begins corrosion.

$$\mathrm{Fe}⟶{\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}+2e^{-}$$

Variables

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
Fe	metallic iron in the lattice (anode)	atom
$F{e}^{2+}$	dissolved ferrous ion	ion
$e^{-}$	electron released to the metal path	electron

Worked example

Fe gives up two electrons and becomes Fe(2+); the same step is written for copper as Cu becoming Cu(2+).

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Part of The Blueprint of Water