Question

In a transition series, with the increase in atomic-number, the paramagnetism :

• A. increases gradually
• B. decreases gradually
• C. first increases to a maximum and then decreases
• D. first decreases to a minimum and then increases

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

first increases to a maximum and then decreases

For transition elements, with increase in atomic number electrons enter the empty $d$-orbitals. First they are singly occupied which increases paramagnetism until the point where all the $d$-orbitals are half-filled (point of maximum paramagnetism) and then they get paired which decreases paramagnetism. Hence, paramagnetism first increases till maximum then decreases.