Question

Explain the magnetic properties of d-block (or transition) elements.

Explain the following about transition metals:

Magnetic behaviour

Answer 1

1. Most transition metal ions and their compounds are paramagnetic due to the presence of one or more unpaired electrons in their (n − 1)d orbitals.
2. As the number of unpaired electrons increases (from 1 to 5), the paramagnetic character and magnetic moment also increase.
3. Paramagnetic substances are attracted by an external magnetic field.
4. Diamagnetic substances, which have all electrons paired, are repelled (not attracted) by a magnetic field.
5. Some transition metals like Fe, Co, and Ni exhibit very strong paramagnetism and also show ferromagnetism, meaning they can retain magnetism even after the external field is removed. These metals acquire a permanent magnetic moment.