Which of the following ion will have maximum magnetic moment? — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The spin-only magnetic moment increases as the number of unpaired electrons (n) increases. Let's calculate n for each ion: (a) Fe^3+ (Z = 26) = [Ar] 3d^5 => n = 5 unpaired electrons. (b) Cr^3+ (Z = 24) = [Ar] 3d^3 => n = 3 unpaired electrons. (c) Ti^4+ (Z = 22) = [Ar] 3d^0 => n = 0 unpaired electrons. (d) Co^3+ (Z = 27) = [Ar] 3d^6 => n = 4 unpaired electrons. Since Fe^3+ has the maximum number of unpaired electrons (5), it will have the maximum magnetic moment (about 5.92 B.M.).