Why copper(I) is diamagnetic but copper(II) is paramagnetic?

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Solution

A substance is paramagnetic when it has at least one unpaired electron and a substance is diamagnetic when it has no unpaired electron.
In case of Cu, the configuration of Cu is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
3d¹⁰ 4s¹

xx xx xx xx xx x

In case of of Cu(I) configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰
3d¹⁰

xx xx xx xx xx

As there is no unpaired electron in Cu(I), therefore Cu(I) is diamagnetic in nature.

On the other hand in Cu(II) the configuration of Cu(II) is [Ar] 3d⁹
3d⁹

xx xx xx xx x

It has one unpaired electron in one of its orbital. So, Cu(II) is paramagnetic.

Hence, Cu(I) is diamagnetic and Cu(II) is paramagnetic.

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