Electronic spectra and magnetic moments lanthanoids

Atkins and J. de Paula (2002) Atkins Physical Chemistry, 7th edn, Oxford University Press, Oxford, p. 553. 

Metal ion Colour Ground state electronic configuration Ground state term symbol Magnetic moment, p (298 K) / p Calculated Observed  

In the electronic spectra of lanthanoid metal ions, absorptions due to f-f transitions are sharp, but bands due to Af-5d transitions are broad. 

Typical colours of Ln ions in aqueous solution are listed in Table 24.3. Usually (but not invariably) / and species have similar colours. 

The bulk magnetic moments (see Section 20.8) of Ln ions are given in Table 24.3. In general, experimental values agree well with those calculated from formulae (see equation 

J and gj for ground states are both larger in the second half than the first half of the lanthanoid series. 

Worked example 25.1 Determining the term symbol for the ground state of an Ln ion 

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