Question:medium

The value of the 'spin only' magnetic moment for one of the following configurations is \( 2.84 \, \mathrm{BM} \). The correct one is:

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The magnetic moment of a complex depends on the number of unpaired electrons. In strong ligand fields, electron pairing reduces the number of unpaired electrons, lowering the magnetic moment.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • \( d^5 \, (\text{in strong ligand field}) \)
  • \( d^3 \, (\text{in weak as well as strong fields}) \)
  • \( d^4 \, (\text{in weak ligand fields}) \)
  • \( d^4 \, (\text{in strong ligand fields}) \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The spin-only magnetic moment, calculated via \( \mu = \sqrt{n(n+2)} \, \text{BM} \), quantifies the magnetic moment based on \( n \), the count of unpaired electrons.
Electronic Configurations and Resulting Magnetic Moments: 
- \( d^5 \) (high spin): \( n = 1 \), yielding \( \mu = \sqrt{3} \approx 1.73 \, \text{BM} \). 
- \( d^3 \) (low or high spin): \( n = 3 \), resulting in \( \mu = \sqrt{15} \approx 3.87 \, \text{BM} \). 
- \( d^4 \) (low spin): \( n = 4 \), yielding \( \mu = \sqrt{24} \approx 4.89 \, \text{BM} \). 
- \( d^4 \) (high spin): \( n = 2 \), resulting in \( \mu = \sqrt{8} \approx 2.82 \, \text{BM} \). 
Therefore, the \( d^4 \) electron configuration under strong ligand field conditions yields a magnetic moment of \( \mu = 2.82 \, \text{BM} \). 

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{d^4 \, (\text{in strong ligand fields})} \]

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