Which of the following statements is NOT true about iron?

• A. Iron can form compounds in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.
• B. Iron readily reacts with oxygen to form rust.
• C. Iron is a nonmetal and does not conduct electricity.
• D. Iron is magnetic at room temperature.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of iron as an element. Iron is a transition metal, which means it is a metal and has metallic properties such as electrical conductivity and magnetism.
2. Step 2: Review the oxidation states of iron. Iron commonly forms compounds in the +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric) oxidation states, which is a well-known characteristic of this element.
3. Step 3: Consider iron's reaction with oxygen. Iron readily reacts with oxygen in the presence of moisture to form iron oxides, commonly known as rust, which is a typical chemical behavior of iron.
4. Step 4: Analyze the statement about iron being a nonmetal and not conducting electricity. Since iron is a metal, it conducts electricity well, so this statement contradicts the known properties of iron.
5. Step 5: Confirm iron's magnetic property at room temperature. Iron is ferromagnetic at room temperature, meaning it is magnetic, which supports the truth of this statement.