Question

An excess of potassium ions makes KCl crystals appear violet or Lilac in colour since

• A. some of the anionic sites are occupied by an unpaired electron
• B. some of the anionic sites are occupied by a pair of electrons
• C. there are vacancies at someanionic sites
• D. F-centres are created which impart colour to the crystals

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

some of the anionic sites are occupied by an unpaired electron
F-centres are created which impart colour to the crystals

When KC1 is heated in vapour of K, some of the Cl leave their lattice site and create anion vacancies. This chloride ion wants to combine with K vapour to form potassium chloride. For doing so K atom loses electrons form K ions. This released electron diffuses into the crystal to get entrapped in the anion vacancy called F-centre. When visible light falls on the crystal, this entrapped electron gains energy, goes to the higher level when it comes back to the ground state, energy is released in the form of light.