Q. The pairs of species of oxygen and their magnetic behaviours are noted below. Which of the following presents the correct description?
A) O₂⁺, O₂ – Both paramagnetic
B) O, O₂²⁻ – Both paramagnetic
C) O₂⁻, O₂²⁻ – Both diamagnetic
D) O⁺, O₂²⁻ – Both paramagnetic
Explanation
[Solution from source] By MO theory O₂ has 2 unpaired electrons and O₂⁺ has 1, so both are paramagnetic. O₂²⁻ has all electrons paired (diamagnetic), so the pairings with peroxide as paramagnetic are wrong, and O₂⁻ has 1 unpaired electron, so calling it diamagnetic is wrong. Answer (1).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.