The magnetic moment for compounds with unpaired electrons is calculated using the ‘spin-only’ formula: µ = √n(n+2), where n is the number of unpaired electrons. This formula, based on the number of unpaired electrons, helps determine the magnetic moment in units of Bohr magneton (BM), with a single unpaired electron having a magnetic moment of 1.73 Bohr magnetons.
How is the magnetic moment calculated for compounds of the first series of transition metals with unpaired electrons, and what is the significance of the ‘spin-only’ formula in determining magnetic moments?
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The magnetic moment (μ) for compounds of the first series of transition metals with unpaired electrons is calculated using the ‘spin-only’ formula: μ = √(n(n+2)), where n is the number of unpaired electrons. This formula neglects the contribution of orbital angular momentum, simplifying calculations. The ‘spin-only’ formula is significant for estimating magnetic behavior as it provides a quick approximation of the magnetic moment, crucial for understanding paramagnetic properties in transition metal compounds. However, it overlooks factors like orbital contributions and electron-electron interactions, offering a simplified approach for predicting magnetic behavior in systems with unpaired electrons.