VKC ScienceChemistry for written exams Telegram

UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2025 · Paper I

Q5(f). Which complex has the larger Δₒ

Question

Which complex ion has higher value of crystal field splitting energy (Δₒ)? Justify your answer. (i) [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺ or [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ (ii) [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ or [Rh(NH₃)₆]³⁺ (iii) [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺ or [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺

Answer in brief

(i) [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺ (ii) [Rh(NH₃)₆]³⁺ (iii) [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺.

Part of VKC Basic

Read the key points and the full model answer with VKC Basic

VKC Basic (₹999 for 6 months) opens every solved answer, the notes, the handbook and the daily answer archive. Every Mains test series includes it.

See what is included Already a member? Sign in

The full model answer

As written for the answer booklet: the diagram carries the working, the lines stay short. Read here only; it is not offered as a download.

The handwritten model answer pages open with the VKC plan.

Coverscrystal field splitting energyspectrochemical serieshigh spin low spinoctahedral complexescobalt and rhodium complexes