A strong crystal field produces a large value for the crystal field splitting, $\Delta$_o, while a weak crystal field produces a small crystal field splitting. Which would be more likely to put a metal ion in a low-spin configuration? A)strong field B)weak field C)left field D)right field E)center field

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A strong crystal field splitting would result in a large energy difference between the d orbitals, which would favor a low-spin configuration. In a low-spin configuration, the electrons would be paired up in the lower energy d orbitals, resulting in a smaller crystal field splitting. On the other hand, a weak crystal field would not produce a large splitting between the d orbitals, making it less likely for the electrons to pair up and form a low-spin configuration.

A Strong Crystal Field Produces a Large Value for the Crystal