Question

Of cobalt and zinc salts, which are attracted in magnetic field?

• A. Cobalt salts
• B. Zinc salts
• C. Both (A) and (B)
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A Cobalt salts

Consider the electronic configurations of ZInc and Cobalt.

$Zn:\left[Ar\right]4s^{2}3d^{10}$ and Zn form +2 oxidation state in ionic form.

$Co:\left[Ar\right]4s^{2}3d^7$

We notice that Zinc does not have any unpaired electrons and hence it is diamagnetic.

Cobalt has 3 unpaired electrons in its ground state and hence it is paramagnetic.

Diamagnetic substances repel the magnetic field whereas paramagnetic substances are attracted.