GATE 2022 CY – Question 58
The calculated magnetic moment of a $Ce^{3+}$ complex is ______ BM (two decimal places).
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Correct answer: 2.52 to 2.56
Explanation
Ce3+ is 4f1, so L=3, S=1/2 and J=L−S=5/2. Landé factor is 6/7. Including orbital as well as spin momentum gives μ=(6/7)√[(5/2)(7/2)]=2.53546 BM, rounded **2.54 BM**. Spin-only μ would underestimate the lanthanide moment.