FERROUS SULPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Ferrous sulphate, also known as iron(II) sulphate or green vitriol, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula FeSO4. It is an iron salt composed of ferrous ions (Fe2+) and sulphate ions (SO4^2-). Ferrous sulphate is a grayish-white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used in various industrial and agricultural applications.
In the field of medicine, ferrous sulphate is often utilized as an iron supplement to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells in the body. As a source of iron, it helps in the formation of healthy red blood cells and helps transport oxygen throughout the body. This compound is also employed in water treatment processes to remove phosphates and control algae growth.
In agriculture, ferrous sulphate is employed as a fertilizer to provide essential nutrients, particularly iron, to plants. It helps in the production of chlorophyll and supports the overall growth and development of crops. Additionally, it is used as a herbicide to control unwanted moss and weeds on lawns and fields.
Furthermore, ferrous sulphate finds applications in various industries such as textile, pigment, and ink production. It is used as a mordant in textile dyeing processes and as a reducing agent in the production of iron oxide pigments. It can be employed as a colorant in inks and pigments due to its pale green color.
In summary, ferrous sulphate is a chemical compound containing iron and sulphate ions. It is widely used in medicine, agriculture, and industry for its properties as an iron supplement, nutrient source, water treatment agent, and chemical reagent.
Etymology of FERROUS SULPHATE
The word "ferrous sulphate" originates from the combination of two terms: "ferrous" and "sulphate".
1. Ferrous: The term "ferrous" comes from the Latin word "ferrum", meaning "iron". It refers to the chemical element iron in its divalent, or +2, oxidation state. "Ferrous" is used to indicate compounds that contain iron in this specific oxidation state.
2. Sulphate: The term "sulphate" is derived from the Latin word "sulfat(u)m", which is a combination of "sulfur", meaning "sulfur", and the suffix "-ate", indicating the presence of oxygen. Sulphate is a polyatomic ion with a chemical formula of SO42-. It is formed when sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with a base or metal oxide.
