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Maximum multiplicity and term symbol in a transition metal of d2 configuration

Accepted Answer

For a d² configuration, the maximum multiplicity is 3 (spin multiplicity = 2S+1, where S is the total spin angular momentum). The term symbol is ³F. Here's how we get that:

Total Spin Angular Momentum (S): Two electrons each have spin quantum number (s) = 1/2. The maximum total spin occurs when the spins are parallel (both +1/2), giving S = 1/2 + 1/2 = 1.
Multiplicity: 2S+1 = 2(1) + 1 = 3
Total Orbital Angular Momentum (L): For d orbitals, l=2. The maximum L value for two electrons in d orbitals occurs when both have ml=+2, giving L=2+2=4. This corresponds to the F term symbol (L=0,1,2,3,4... correspond to S, P, D, F, G... terms respectively).
Term Symbol: ³F


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