InterviewSolution
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Explain why the compounds of copper (II) are coloured, but those of zinc are colourless. |
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Answer» i. The electronic configuration of Cu: [Ar] 3d10 4s1 and Cu2+: [Ar] 3d9 . In copper (II) compounds, Cu2+ ions have incompletely filled 3d-orbital (3d9). ii. The presence of one unpaired electron in 3d-orbital results in d-d transition due to which, Cu2+ ions absorb red light from visible spectrum and emit blue light. Therefore, copper (II) compounds are coloured. iii. In case of zinc, the electronic configuration is Zn: [Ar] 3d104s2 and Zn2+: [Ar] 3d10. iv. Since 3d subshell is completely filled and there are no unpaired electrons, d-d transition is not possible and hence, Zn2+ ions do not absorb radiation in visible region. Therefore, the compounds of zinc are colourless. |
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