Question detail
In a complex ion, what does the coordination number represent?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Transition metals (A-level only)
Question
- A. The number of ligands attached to the metal ion
- B. The total number of electrons in the ion
- C. The oxidation state of the metal ion
- D. The number of coordinate bonds formed
Answer
The number of ligands attached to the metal ion
Explanation
The coordination number of a complex ion is defined as the number of ligand donor atoms that are bonded to the central metal ion. This is crucial for understanding the geometry of the complex.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Ligands
Students often confuse ligands with simple ions, thinking all ligands are charged particles.
A ligand is a molecule or ion that donates a pair of electrons to a transition metal to form a coordinate bond. Remember that ligands can be neutral molecules (like water) or charged ions (like chloride), but they are not simply ions themselves.
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