Question

Why is La³⁺ ion diamagnetic in nature?

Answer 1

1. The La³⁺ ion is diamagnetic because it has no unpaired electrons.
2. It loses its 5d and 6s electrons upon ionization, leaving the electron configuration similar to the xenon core with empty 4f orbitals.
3. Since there are no unpaired electrons in La³⁺, it does not exhibit paramagnetism.
4. Diamagnetism arises because all electrons are paired, and no net magnetic moment exists in La³⁺ ion.

Hence, La³⁺ ion is diamagnetic in nature due to the absence of unpaired electrons.