An aqueous divalent ion ( M ²⁺ ) of a 3d transition element exhibits a 'spin-only' magnetic moment of 5.92 BM . Which of the following statements correctly describes a property of the neutral element M ?

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 = 5.92 BM , we have n(n+2) = 5.92 , which gives n = 5 . The divalent ion M ²⁺ belongs to the 3d series and has 5 unpaired electrons, so its outer electronic configuration must be 3d^5 . The neutral atom M is formed by adding two electrons to the 4s orbital, giving the configuration [ Ar ] 3d^5 4s^2 . This corresponds to Manganese ( Mn ). Manganese belongs to group 7 and exhibits a maximum oxidation state of