Chapter 21, Problem 78RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The complex that absorbs light at the longer wavelength among each pair of the given complexes, is to be determined.

Concept Information:

Crystal field theory is the theory that explains the bonding of the complex ions.

Ligands are the molecules or ions that bond with a coordinate covalent bond to form a metal ion.

Crystal field splitting or $\Delta$ is the energy difference between the two sets of $d$ orbitals that is between the higher energy level of $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{z^2}$ orbitals and the lower energy level of $d_{xy}$, $d_{xz}$, and $d_{yz}$ orbitals in an octahedral complex.

The energy carried by the single photon is called photon energy. The amount of energy is directly proptional to the photon’r electromagnetic frequency and inversely propotional to the wavelength. The equation of photon energy is:

$\text{E = hv or hc/λ}$.