Explain how an atom may have a permanent magnetic dipole moment

Thread starter aarond90
Start date Mar 28, 2011
Tags

Atom Dipole Dipole moment Explain Magnetic Magnetic dipole Magnetic dipole moment Moment

In summary, an atom can obtain a permanent magnetic dipole moment through the alignment of its electrons' spin and orbit. Not all atoms have a permanent magnetic dipole moment, as it depends on the number of electrons and their pairing. Temperature affects an atom's permanent magnetic dipole moment by causing the alignment to become random at high temperatures and more ordered at low temperatures. An external magnetic field can also affect an atom's permanent magnetic dipole moment, resulting in a stronger effect known as paramagnetism. The significance of an atom having a permanent magnetic dipole moment lies in its ability to interact with external magnetic fields and play a crucial role in physical phenomena and electronic devices.

Mar 28, 2011

aarond90

Explain how an atom may have a permanent magnetic dipole moment?

Many thanks...

Physics news on Phys.org

Mar 28, 2011

supratim1

Gold Member

its due to the motion of the charged electrons and some other complex factors.

1. How does an atom obtain a permanent magnetic dipole moment?

An atom can obtain a permanent magnetic dipole moment through the alignment of its electrons' spin and orbit. When the electrons' spin and orbit are aligned in the same direction, a magnetic field is created, resulting in a permanent magnetic dipole moment.

2. Can all atoms have a permanent magnetic dipole moment?

No, not all atoms have a permanent magnetic dipole moment. Atoms with an odd number of electrons or an unpaired electron have a permanent magnetic dipole moment due to the unpaired electron's spin. Atoms with an even number of electrons or all paired electrons do not have a permanent magnetic dipole moment.

3. How does temperature affect an atom's permanent magnetic dipole moment?

At high temperatures, the alignment of an atom's electrons' spin and orbit becomes random, resulting in no net magnetic field and no permanent magnetic dipole moment. At low temperatures, the alignment becomes more ordered, resulting in a stronger permanent magnetic dipole moment.

4. Can an external magnetic field affect an atom's permanent magnetic dipole moment?

Yes, an external magnetic field can align an atom's electrons' spin and orbit in the direction of the field, resulting in a stronger permanent magnetic dipole moment. This effect is known as paramagnetism and is temporary, as the alignment disappears once the external field is removed.

5. What is the significance of an atom having a permanent magnetic dipole moment?

An atom's permanent magnetic dipole moment is significant as it allows atoms to interact with external magnetic fields and play a role in various physical phenomena, such as magnetism, electricity, and chemical bonding. It also plays a crucial role in the functioning of many electronic devices, such as hard drives and MRI machines.