Among the following species N , N , N , N , O , O , O , O the number of species showing diamagnetism — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Solution: Diamagnetic Species Among Nitrogen and Oxygen Species **Step 1: Recall diamagnetism concept** A species is diamagnetic if all electrons are paired (no unpaired electrons). Use molecular orbital theory to determine electron configurations. **Step 2: Analyze N₂** - Total valence electrons: 10 - Configuration: σ1s² σ*1s² σ2s² σ*2s² π2p⁴ σ2p² - All electrons paired → **Diamagnetic** **Step 3: Analyze N₂⁺** - Total valence electrons: 9 - One electron removed from σ2p orbital - Configuration: σ1s² σ*1s² σ2s² σ*2s² π2p⁴ σ2p¹ - Contains 1 unpaired electron → Paramagnetic **Step 4: Analyze N₂⁻** - Total valence electrons: 11 - One electron added to π*2p orbital - Contains unpaired electrons → Paramagnetic **Step 5: Analyze O₂** - Total valence electrons: 12 - Configuration: σ1s² σ*1s² σ2s² σ*2s² σ2p² π2p⁴ π*2p² - Contains 2 unpaired electrons in π*2p → Paramagnetic **Step 6: Analyze O₂⁺, O₂⁻** - Both contain unpaired electrons → Paramagnetic **Result:** Only N₂ and O₂²⁻ (if present) show diamagnetism. From given species, **2 diamagnetic species** are present. Therefore, the answer is 2.