Question
Why is $O _2$ molecule paramagnetic?

Answer

The electronic configuration of $O _2$ molecule is $(\sigma 1 s)^2\left(\sigma^* 1 s\right)^2(\sigma 2 s)^2\left(\sigma^* 2 s\right)^2\left(\sigma 2 p _z\right)^2\left(\pi 2 p _x\right)^2\left(\pi 2 p _{ y }\right)^2\left(\pi^* 2 p _x\right)^1\left(\pi^* 2 p _y\right)^1$ Since the oxygen molecule contains two unpaired electrons, it is paramagnetic.

Need a full question paper?

Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.

Start Generating Free