The magnetic moment increases with the number of unpaired electrons, making it a useful indicator of unpaired electrons in atoms, molecules, or ions. The observed magnetic moment correlates with the number of unpaired electrons.
How does the magnetic moment provide valuable information about the presence of unpaired electrons, and what relationship exists between the magnetic moment and the number of unpaired electrons?
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The magnetic moment is valuable in indicating the presence of unpaired electrons in a substance. Unpaired electrons give rise to magnetic moments, and the magnetic moment’s magnitude is directly related to the number of unpaired electrons. The relationship is expressed by the formula μ = √(n(n+2)), where μ is the magnetic moment, and n is the number of unpaired electrons. This square root term arises from the spin quantum number (s = 1/2). The magnetic moment provides a quantitative measure of the extent of electron spin alignment, serving as a convenient indicator of the magnetic behavior and electron configuration in a material.