Are the following ions diamagnetic or paramagnetic: a) Cr3+ b) Ca2+ c) Na+ d) Fe3+?

To determine whether the given ions are diamagnetic or paramagnetic, we need to consider their electron configurations and whether they have unpaired electrons.

  1. Cr3+: Chromium (Cr) has an atomic number of 24. The electron configuration of neutral chromium is [Ar] 3d5 4s1. When it loses three electrons to form Cr3+, the configuration becomes [Ar] 3d3. Since there are three unpaired electrons in the 3d subshell, Cr3+ is paramagnetic.
  2. Ca2+: Calcium (Ca) has an atomic number of 20. The electron configuration of neutral calcium is [Ar] 4s2. When it loses two electrons to form Ca2+, the configuration becomes [Ar]. With no unpaired electrons, Ca2+ is diamagnetic.
  3. Na+: Sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11. The electron configuration of neutral sodium is [Ne] 3s1. When it loses one electron to form Na+, the configuration becomes [Ne]. Again, there are no unpaired electrons, so Na+ is diamagnetic.
  4. Fe3+: Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26. The electron configuration of neutral iron is [Ar] 3d6 4s2. When it loses three electrons to form Fe3+, the configuration is [Ar] 3d5. With five unpaired electrons in the 3d subshell, Fe3+ is paramagnetic.

In summary:

  • Cr3+: Paramagnetic
  • Ca2+: Diamagnetic
  • Na+: Diamagnetic
  • Fe3+: Paramagnetic

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