NEETChemistryStructure of Atom
A divalent ion ( M ²⁺ ) of a 3d transition metal has a spin-only magnetic moment of 2.83 BM . Which of the following represents a possible ground state electronic configuration of the neutral atom M ?
Options
- A[ Ar ] 3d^8
- B[ Ar ] 4s^2 3d^4
- C[ Ar ] 4s^2 3d^8
- D[ Ar ] 4s^2 3d^6
Correct answer
C. [ Ar ] 4s^2 3d^8
Step-by-step solution
The spin-only magnetic moment is given by = n(n+2) BM , where n is the number of unpaired electrons. Given = 2.83 BM , we have n(n+2) = 2.83 , which gives n = 2 . For a divalent ion ( M ²⁺ ) of the 3d series, having 2 unpaired electrons means the d-subshell configuration must be either 3d^2 or 3d^8 . To find the neutral atom M , we add the two electrons back. These electrons will occupy the 4s orbital first. Thus, the ground state electronic configuration of the neutral atom M can be either [ Ar ] 4s^2 3d^2 (Titani