Question

A metal ion from the first transition series has a magnetic moment (calculated) of 3.87 BM. The number of unpaired electrons present in the ion is ______.

Options

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer 1

A metal ion from the first transition series has a magnetic moment (calculated) of 3.87 BM. The number of unpaired electrons present in the ion is 3.

Explanation:

The magnetic moment is given as 3.87 BM. Using the formula:

μ = `sqrt(n(n + 2))`, 

We find that for n = 3

μ = `sqrt(3(3 + 2))`

= `sqrt 15`

≈ 3.87 BM

So, the number of unpaired electrons is 3.