Although $Cr^{3+}$ and $Co^{2+}$ ions have the same number of unpaired electrons,the magnetic moment of $Cr^{3+}$ is $3.87 \ BM$ and that of $Co^{2+}$ is $4.87 \ BM$. Why?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The magnetic moment $(\mu)$ is calculated using the spin-only formula: $\mu = \sqrt{n(n+2)} \ BM$,where $n$ is the number of unpaired electrons.
For $Cr^{3+}$ $(Z=24)$: The electronic configuration is $[Ar] 3d^3$. Here,$n = 3$. Thus,$\mu = \sqrt{3(3+2)} = \sqrt{15} \approx 3.87 \ BM$.
For $Co^{2+}$ $(Z=27)$: The electronic configuration is $[Ar] 3d^7$. This results in $n = 3$ unpaired electrons. However,for $Co^{2+}$,there is a significant orbital contribution to the magnetic moment due to the nature of the $d$-orbitals,which increases the observed value to approximately $4.87 \ BM$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The element having the electronic configuration $[Kr] 4d^{10} 4f^{14} 5s^2 5p^6 5d^2 6s^2$ belongs to:

Write the ground state electronic configurations of $Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu$.

The valence shell electronic configuration of $Cr^{2+}$ ion is

Which pair of ions gives a blue colour in an aqueous state?
$V^{+4}, Ni^{+2}, Ti^{+3}, Co^{+2}, Fe^{+3}, Cu^{+2}$

Zinc does not show variable valency like $d-$block elements because

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo