The magnetic moment of Ni^x+ ion (Z = 28) is about 2.82 B.M. The value of x is — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Using the spin-only formula μ = √(n * (n + 2)) B.M., a magnetic moment of 2.82 B.M. indicates the presence of exactly n = 2 unpaired electrons (since √(2 * 4) = √(8) = 2.828 B.M.). The ground-state configuration of neutral nickel (Ni, Z = 28) is [Ar] 3d^8 4s^2. If x = 2, we form the Ni^2+ ion by losing the two 4s electrons, giving the configuration [Ar] 3d^8. In the 3d^8 subshell, 8 electrons fill the five d-orbitals as three paired and two unpaired electrons, giving exactly n = 2 unpaired electrons. Therefore, x = 2.