Here's a breakdown:

* Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe.

* Oxidation state refers to the charge an atom would have if all its bonds were ionic.

* Ferrous compounds are those where iron has a +2 oxidation state.

Here are some examples:

* Ferrous oxide (FeO): This compound contains iron in the +2 oxidation state.

* Ferrous sulfate (FeSO4): This compound also contains iron in the +2 oxidation state.

In contrast, ferric refers to compounds containing iron in the +3 oxidation state. For example, ferric oxide (Fe2O3) is a compound where iron has a +3 oxidation state.

Important note: The terms "ferrous" and "ferric" are becoming less common in modern chemistry. It's more accurate to use the systematic names that indicate the specific oxidation state of the iron atom. For example, instead of "ferrous sulfate," it's more accurate to say "iron(II) sulfate."