JEE chemistry

The magnetic moment of a transition metal ion is √(24) B.M — JEE Chemistry

CChloeLefevre13 Asked 28d ago 507 views 1 answer

The magnetic moment of a transition metal ion is $\sqrt{24}$ B.M. How many unpaired electrons does it have?

1 Answer

VAVidaara Admin ✓ Vidaara Team ✓ Accepted · 26d ago ▲ 34

Using spin-only formula:

$$\mu = \sqrt{n(n+2)} B.M.$$

$$\sqrt{n(n+2)} = \sqrt{24} \Rightarrow n(n+2) = 24 \Rightarrow n^2+2n-24 = 0$$

$$n = \frac{-2 + \sqrt{4+96}}{2} = \frac{-2+10}{2} = 4 unpaired electrons$$

(e.g., $Fe^{2+}$: $[Ar] 3d^6$ with 4 unpaired electrons in high-spin)

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Discussion (4)

GP
For revision — the key formula used here comes up almost every year.
Gaurav Pandey · 25d ago
J
Can someone explain why we ignore the other root here?
JulienMoreau51 · 23d ago
L
I solved it a slightly different way and got the same answer, good sign.
LucasBernard77 · 23d ago
KS
Pro tip: memorise the standard result, it reappears in many problems.
Karan Singh · 22d ago
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