The color of ions in aqueous solutions depends on the presence of unpaired d-electrons in transition metal ions. These unpaired electrons can absorb certain wavelengths of light, leading to the color observed.
- (A) Ti³⁺: Titanium in the +3 oxidation state has an electronic configuration of 3d¹. The presence of an unpaired electron in the d-orbital allows it to absorb light, resulting in a colored solution.
- (B) Nb³⁺: Niobium in the +3 oxidation state has an electronic configuration of 4d¹. Similar to Ti³⁺, the unpaired electron in the d-orbital results in a colored solution.
- (C) Cu⁺: Copper in the +1 oxidation state has an electronic configuration of 3d¹⁰, which means there are no unpaired electrons. Therefore, Cu⁺ does not absorb visible light and does not exhibit color.
- (D) Y³⁺: Yttrium in the +3 oxidation state has an electronic configuration of 4d⁰. Since there are no d-electrons, Y³⁺ does not absorb visible light and is colorless in solution.
Only Ti³⁺ and Nb³⁺ are colored in aqueous solution because they have unpaired d-electrons.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: (A) and (B) only.