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Why is iron the heart of the earth? Uncover the mystery of the core!
Among many chemical elements, iron is undoubtedly an extremely important element because it played a key role in the formation and development of the earth. According to the latest geological research, iron accounts for a large proportion of the earth's inner and outer core, making it the "heart" of the earth. This article will explore the properties of iron, the history of its existence, and why it is called the heart of the earth.
"Iron is a core element in the Earth's internal structure, and its changes affect the geomagnetic field of the entire planet."
Basic concepts of iron
Iron (chemical symbol: Fe) has an atomic number of 26. It is one of the most common elements on Earth and mainly constitutes the Earth's inner core. Iron's very special physical properties, such as its high melting point (approximately 1538°C) and excellent electrical conductivity, make it widely used in industry and daily life.
“The surface of pure iron appears mirror-like silver-grey, but when in contact with oxygen and water, it will quickly oxidize and form rust.”
The historical and cultural significance of iron
The history of iron can be traced back to 2000 BC, when humans began to use iron tools and weapons, marking the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age. The use of iron not only promoted human technological development, but also changed social structure and culture.
Over time, iron smelting techniques improved, making iron one of the cheapest and most common metals. In fact, iron and its alloys (such as steel, cast iron, etc.) play an irreplaceable role in modern industry.
"Iron's cheapness and high plasticity make it an indispensable material in industrial manufacturing."
Iron in the Earth’s core
According to research by geophysicists, the Earth's core is mainly composed of iron and its alloys. This structure not only affects the Earth's rotation, but also has a major impact on the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field results from electric currents in the liquid outer core, which are generated by the constant motion of metallic iron.
In today's scientific research, scientists strive to understand the properties of the core, especially the behavior of iron under high-pressure conditions. Existing evidence suggests that iron in the core may exist in a specialized structural form that is critical to geophysical processes.
“The iron in the core is not only the material basis of the earth, but also the power source that affects the vitality of the earth.”
Chemical properties of iron and its applications
Iron has a variety of chemical properties. For example, iron can exist in multiple oxidation states, from +2 to +6, which makes it flexible in a variety of chemical reactions. Iron compounds are widely used in many fields such as industrial production, medical treatment and environmental science.
In addition, iron is also vital to biological life. There are about 4 grams of iron in the human body, mainly stored in hemoglobin and myoglobin. These proteins are responsible for transporting oxygen and storing it in muscles. Re-evaluating our diet to ensure we are getting enough iron is key to maintaining health and vitality.
"Iron is not only the mineral foundation of the soil, but also the source of oxygen for life."
Future exploration
With the advancement of science and technology, scientists have made important progress in the research of iron and its alloys. In-depth studies of the behavior of iron in a variety of environments will help shed light on many unanswered Earth science questions. In addition, the application of iron is not limited to industry, but may also have a revolutionary impact on new energy, environmental protection, medical and other fields.
After in-depth understanding of the various properties of iron and its irreplaceable role on the earth, we can’t help but think: Iron, the basic element, has reshaped our world, but what will its deep mysteries and future potential be? To what extent has it developed?
