Answer to Question #223329 in General Chemistry for Giren

Question

The molecular orbital theory is used to deduce the magnetic properties of an atom, an iron or a molecule. According to this theory

A. Oxygen atom is para-magnetic

B. Oxygen molecule is diamagnetic

C.Nitrogen is both para and diamagnetic

D. CO₂ is para-diamagnetic gas.

Answer 1

• According to the molecular orbital theory, unpaired electrons are paramagnetic which makes them to be attracted to the electric field while paired electrons are diamagnetic making them to be repelled by an electric field.
• Oxygen atom has paired electrons hence diamagnetic.
• Oxygen molecule has two unpaired electrons hence paramagnetic.
• Nitrogen atom has 3 unpaired electrons making it paramagnetic while nitrogen molecule has no unpaired electrons which makes it diamagnetic.
• CO2 has 4 paired electrons which makes it diamagnetic.
• Therefore, the correct answer is C. Nitrogen is both para and diamagnetic.
• This depends on whether it is a molecule or an atom.