Question

One method of experimentally determining whether a species is paramagnetic is to weigh it in an instrument called a magnetic susceptibility balance. This is a balance with a strong electromagnet placed next to the sample holder. If the species is paramagnetic, the mass reading of the balance will increase when the field is switched on. Classify these following species as paramagnetic or diamagnetic.

a. NO
b. F2
c. O2
d. CO

Answer 1

F2

F→ Group 7A → 7 valence electrons

14 valence electrons TOTAL.

No unpaired electrons → diamagnetic

O2

O→ Group 6A → 6 valence electrons

12 valence electrons TOTAL.

2 unpaired electrons → paramagnetic

NO

N→ Group 5A → 5 valence electrons

O→ Group 6A → 6 valence electrons

11 valence electrons TOTAL.

1 unpaired electron → paramagnetic

CO

C→ Group 4A → 4 valence electrons

O→ Group 6A → 6 valence electrons

10 valence electrons TOTAL.

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