COMEDK · Chemistry · 16. Solid State

In a normal spinel type structure, the oxide ions are arranged in ccp, whereas \(1 / 8\) tetrahedral holes are occupied by \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) ions and \(50 \%\) of octahedral holes are occupied by \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) ions. The formula of compound is

A \(\mathrm{ZnFe}_2 \mathrm{O}_4\)
B \(\mathrm{ZnFe}_2 \mathrm{O}_3\)
C \(\mathrm{ZnFe}_2 \mathrm{O}_2\)
D \(\mathrm{Zn}_2 \mathrm{Fe}_2 \mathrm{O}_4\)

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(A) \(\mathrm{ZnFe}_2 \mathrm{O}_4\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

In one unit cell, number of \(\mathrm{O}^{2-}=4\) The number of \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}=\frac{1}{8} \times 8=1\) The number of \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}=\frac{1}{2} \times 4=2\) \(\therefore\) Molecular formula of given spinel structure is \(\mathrm{ZnFe}_2 \mathrm{O}_4\)

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

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