Which of the following ions will exhibit colour in aqueous solutions? ...
Explanation:
In order to identify which ions will exhibit color in aqueous solutions, we need to consider the electronic configuration and the presence of unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals of the ion.
Electronic Configuration:
a) La3+ (Z = 57): The electronic configuration of La3+ is [Xe] 4f0 5d0 6s0. It does not have any d-orbitals to exhibit color.
b) Ti3+ (Z = 22): The electronic configuration of Ti3+ is [Ar] 3d1. It has one unpaired electron in the d-orbital, which can absorb light in the visible region and hence exhibit color.
c) Lu3+ (Z = 71): The electronic configuration of Lu3+ is [Xe] 4f14 5d0 6s0. It does not have any d-orbitals to exhibit color.
d) Sc3+ (Z = 21): The electronic configuration of Sc3+ is [Ar] 3d0. It does not have any unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals to exhibit color.
Presence of Unpaired Electrons:
In order for an ion to exhibit color, it must have unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals. This is because when a transition metal ion absorbs light in the visible region, an electron is promoted from a lower energy d-orbital to a higher energy d-orbital. The energy difference between these orbitals corresponds to a particular wavelength of light, which is absorbed and gives the ion its color.
Conclusion:
Among the given ions, only Ti3+ (Z = 22) has an unpaired electron in the d-orbital, allowing it to absorb light in the visible region and exhibit color. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.