Fe with different charges Taken these reactions:


  \begin{align}
\ce{2\overset{0}{Fe} + 3Cl2 &amp;-&gt; 2\overset{+3}{Fe}Cl3} \tag{1}\\
\ce{\overset{0}{Fe} + 2HCl &amp;-&gt; \overset{+2}{Fe}Cl2 + H2} \tag{2}
\end{align}


Why does $\ce{Fe}$ have +3 charge in the first example and +2 charge in the second?
Iron exists in the +2 oxidation state (iron(II)), also called ferrous iron, as well as the +3 oxidation state (iron(III)), also called ferric iron.  There are sever other oxidation states of iron that are not pertinent to your reactions.


  In your first reaction, the strongly oxidizing $\ce{Cl}$2
  oxidizes the neutral, metallic iron to it's highest stable oxidation
  state, iron(III).
  
  In your second reaction, $\ce{HCl}$ oxidizes iron to the lower stable
  oxidation state, iron(II).