Combustion of iron wool. Timelapse footage of iron wool burning in oxygen (combustion) after being ignited by a blowtorch. The iron (Fe) burns more readily in the form of iron wool as more surface area is available for combustion with the oxygen (O2). The product is iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3). The mass of the iron wool increases as it reacts with the oxygen, as shown by the reading on the mass balance as the reaction progresses. Around two grams of oxygen react with the iron wool here.