NEET · Chemistry —

The d- and f-Block Elements appeared 3 times across 1 year — 6.7% of Chemistry. This question is from Magnetic Properties.

Year 2024 Total
Questions 3 3

The calculated 'spin-only' magnetic moment of Ti²⁺(3d²) is :

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
μ = √(n(n + 2)) B.M.

where n is the number of unpaired electrons.

Core Logic

Electronic configuration of Titanium (Ti, Z=22): [Ar] 4s² 3d². For Ti²⁺, two electrons are removed from the 4s orbital first. Electronic configuration of Ti²⁺ [Ar] 4s⁰ 3d². Number of unpaired electrons (n) = 2.

Step 1: Calculate Magnetic Moment
μ = √(2(2 + 2)) μ = √(2 × 4) = √(8) μ = 2.828 B.M. ≈ 2.84 B.M.
Pattern Recognition

The spin-only magnetic moment value is always slightly greater than the number of unpaired electrons (n). For n=2, μ is approx 2.8. For n=3, μ ≈ 3.87.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: The d- and f-Block Elements

Reference Study Guides

More The d- and f-Block Elements Previous-Year Questions

Q53 neet_2026_03_may_morning Catalytic Properties of Transition Metals
Match List I with List II :
List-I (Transition metal/compound complex)List-II (Catalytic Role)
A. V₂O₅(I) Preparation of ammonia from N₂/H₂ mixture
B. Fe(II) Polymerisation of alkynes
C. PdCl₂(III) Preparation of H₂SO₄ and SO₂
D. Ni complex(IV) Oxidation of ethyne to ethanal
Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
  • A. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
  • B. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
  • C. A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
  • D. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Solution

Core Logic

(A) V₂O₅ arrow Catalyses the oxidation of SO₂ into SO₃ in the Contact process for the manufacture of H₂SO₄. (Matches III) (B) Fe arrow Acts as a catalyst in Haber's process for the preparation of ammonia from N₂ / H₂ mixture. (Matches I) (C) PdCl₂ arrow Wacker process for the oxidation of ethyne to ethanal. (Matches IV) (D) Ni complex arrow Catalyses the polymerisation of alkynes. (Matches II)

Step 1: Final Match

A arrow III B arrow I C arrow IV D arrow II

Pattern Recognition

Classic industrial catalysts match: Iron = Haber (Ammonia). Vanadium Pentoxide = Contact (Sulfuric Acid). Palladium Chloride = Wacker (Acetaldehyde).

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: The d- and f-Block Elements

Q63 neet_2026_03_may_morning Lanthanide Oxidation States
Although +3 oxidation state is most common in lanthanoids, cerium still shows +4 oxidation state because:
  • A. Its nearest inert gas is Radon.
  • B. After losing one more electron, it acquires 4f¹⁴ electronic configuration.
  • C. Its atomic number is 61.
  • D. After losing one more electron, it acquires 4f⁰ electronic configuration.

Solution

Core Logic

Cerium (Ce, Atomic Number = 58) has the electronic configuration [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s². In the +3 oxidation state, Ce³⁺ has the configuration [Xe] 4f¹. Although +3 is the most common state for lanthanoids, Cerium readily loses one more electron from its 4f subshell to form Ce⁴⁺. The electronic configuration of Ce⁴⁺ becomes [Xe] 4f⁰, which is the highly stable configuration of the nearest noble gas, Xenon.

Step 1: Final Conclusion

Cerium shows a +4 oxidation state because it attains a stable empty f-subshell (4f⁰) configuration.

Pattern Recognition

Anomalous oxidation states in f-block elements (+2, +4) usually occur when the ion can achieve a stable f⁰ (empty), f⁷ (half-filled), or f¹⁴ (fully filled) electronic configuration. For Ce (+4), it's f⁰.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: The d- and f-Block Elements

More The d- and f-Block Elements Questions — neet_2026_03_may_morning

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