Which of the following oxide(s) of iron would be obtained on prolonged reaction of iron with steam?

Options

A. FeO
B. `Fe_(2)O_(3)`
C. `Fe_(3)O_(4)`
D. `Fe_(2)O_(3)" and " Fe_(3)O_(4)`

Explanation

To determine which oxide(s) of iron would be obtained on prolonged reaction of iron with steam, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reaction
When iron (Fe) reacts with steam (H2O in gaseous form), it undergoes a chemical reaction. The steam provides water in the form of vapor, which can react with iron.

### Step 2: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of iron with steam is:
\[ 3 \text{Fe} + 4 \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Fe}_3\text{O}_4 + 4 \text{H}_2 \]
This equation shows that three moles of iron react with four moles of steam to produce one mole of iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4) and four moles of hydrogen gas.

### Step 3: Identify the Product
From the balanced equation, we can see that the product formed is iron(II,III) oxide, which is represented as Fe3O4. This oxide is a mixed oxide, meaning it contains iron in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.

### Step 4: Conclusion
On prolonged reaction of iron with steam, the oxide formed is Fe3O4. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Fe3O4.

### Final Answer
The oxide of iron obtained on prolonged reaction with steam is **Fe3O4**.

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