Question

A 3-d transition metal cation ${x^{3 + }}$ has the magnetic moment $\sqrt {35}$ BM. What is the atomic number of metal x?
(A) 24
(B) 25
(C) 26
(D) 27

Answer 1

The two important clues given in the question are one is that the element has 3-d orbital and secondly the value of magnetic moment value is given. We should be aware of magnetic moments.

Complete step by step solution:
The magnetic moment formula is given by:
$\mu = \sqrt {n(n + 2)}$
Where, $\mu$= magnetic moment
n = number of unpaired electrons
According to question, $\mu = \sqrt {35}$
So, 35 = n (n+2)
n = 5
As mentioned above n is the number of unpaired electrons, Thus, the element has 5 unpaired electrons.
The 3d transition metals are the transitional method that has the 3d orbital as an outermost shell. The elements of 3d series are scandium, Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc.
Option A is 24. The atomic number of chromium is 24. The electronic configuration of chromium is $[Ar]3{d^5}4{s^1}$.


The element in its +3 oxidation state should contain 5 unpaired electrons, but $C{r^{ + 3}}$ has only 3 unpaired electrons. Therefore, option A is not the correct answer.
Option B is 25. The atomic number of manganese is 25. The electronic configuration of manganese is$[Ar]3{d^5}4{s^2}$.


The element in its +3 oxidation state should contain 5 unpaired electrons, but $M{n^{ + 3}}$ has 4 unpaired electrons. Therefore, option B is not the correct answer.
Option C is 26. The atomic number of Iron is 26. The electronic configuration of iron is $[Ar]3{d^7}4{s^2}$.

$F{e^{ + 3}}$ has 5 unpaired electrons in its +3 oxidation state. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Option D is 27. The atomic number of cobalt is 27.the electronic configuration of cobalt is $[Ar]3{d^7}4{s^2}$.


$C{o^{ + 3}}$ has 6 unpaired electrons. Therefore, Option D is not the correct answer.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Note: The whole answer revolves around electronic configuration and magnetic moment, so it’s very important to know the atomic number of elements in the periodic table. Always make sure that you carefully read the question and extract the given information. The elements of d-block readily lose and form half filled orbits that make them more reactive.