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Ch.9 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 9, Problem 71

Write orbital diagrams for each of these ions.Determine if the ion is diamagnetic or paramagnetic. a. V5+ b. Cr3+ c. Ni2+ d. Fe3+

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Identify the electron configuration of the neutral atom for each ion: V, Cr, Ni, and Fe.
Determine the number of electrons removed to form each ion: V^{5+}, Cr^{3+}, Ni^{2+}, and Fe^{3+}.
Write the electron configuration for each ion by removing electrons from the highest energy orbitals (usually starting with the s orbital, then the d orbital if necessary).
Draw the orbital diagrams for each ion, filling the orbitals according to Hund's rule and the Pauli exclusion principle.
Determine if the ion is diamagnetic (all electrons paired) or paramagnetic (one or more unpaired electrons) based on the orbital diagram.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Orbital Diagrams

Orbital diagrams visually represent the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins, and the diagram helps illustrate how electrons fill these orbitals according to the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle. Understanding how to construct these diagrams is essential for determining the electron configuration of ions.
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Diamagnetism vs. Paramagnetism

Diamagnetism and paramagnetism are two types of magnetic behavior in materials. Diamagnetic substances have all their electrons paired, resulting in no net magnetic moment and weak repulsion from magnetic fields. In contrast, paramagnetic substances have unpaired electrons, leading to a net magnetic moment and attraction to magnetic fields. Identifying whether an ion is diamagnetic or paramagnetic is crucial for understanding its chemical properties.
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Electron Configuration of Ions

The electron configuration of ions is derived from the electron configuration of the neutral atom, adjusted for the loss or gain of electrons. For cations, electrons are removed from the outermost orbitals first, which can affect the overall electron arrangement. Knowing how to write the electron configuration for ions like V<sup>5+</sup>, Cr<sup>3+</sup>, Ni<sup>2+</sup>, and Fe<sup>3+</sup> is vital for constructing their orbital diagrams and determining their magnetic properties.
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