Question

consider the following statements about the zn and mg atoms. which statement is true?
zn and mg are paramagnetic in their ground electronic states.
zn is paramagnetic in its ground electronic state.
mg is paramagnetic in its ground electronic state.
zn and mg are diamagnetic in their ground electronic state.
none of the above

Explanation:

• Paramagnetic substances have unpaired electrons, while diamagnetic substances have all electrons paired.
• The electron configuration of \(Mg\) (\(Z = 12\)) is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}\). All electrons are paired.
• The electron configuration of \(Zn\) (\(Z = 30\)) is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}3d^{10}4s^{2}\). All electrons are paired.

Answer:

Zn and Mg are diamagnetic in their ground electronic state.