Yes. Iron is a metal, classified as a transition metal on the periodic table.

How many protons does iron have?

Iron has 26 protons. Its atomic number is 26, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of iron.

What group and period is iron in?

Iron is in group 8 and period 4 of the periodic table, in the d-block.

What is the atomic mass of iron?

The atomic mass of iron is 55.845 u (unified atomic mass units).

Element 26

Iron (Fe)

Transition metal · Period 4 · Group 8 · d-block

Iron (Fe) is element 26 of the periodic table, a transition metal in period 4, group 8 (d-block) with an atomic mass of 55.845 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number: 26
Symbol: Fe
Atomic mass: 55.845 u
Category: Transition metals
Period: 4
Group: 8
Block: d-block
Phase at STP: solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d6 4s2
Shorthand configuration: [Ar] 3d6 4s2
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 14, 2
Oxidation states: -4, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7

Physical properties

Melting point: 1,811 K (1,537.85 °C)
Boiling point: 3,134 K (2,860.85 °C)
Density: 7.874 g/cm³
Phase: solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.83
Atomic radius: 156 pm
Covalent radius: 132 pm
First ionization energy: 762 kJ/mol
Electron affinity: 15 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Iron: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
Isotope	Mass	Abundance	Stability
Fe-56	55.93494	91.75%	Stable

Common uses

Steel production
Construction
Machinery
Hemoglobin

Discovery

Discovered by: Known since antiquity
Country: Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Is iron a metal?: Yes. Iron is a metal, classified as a transition metal on the periodic table.
How many protons does iron have?: Iron has 26 protons. Its atomic number is 26, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of iron.
What group and period is iron in?: Iron is in group 8 and period 4 of the periodic table, in the d-block.
What is the atomic mass of iron?: The atomic mass of iron is 55.845 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Iron's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.