Can a neutral atom be affected by magnetic field?

In summary: The Lorentz force is the force that arises between charged particles when they are in motion. It is a force that tends to cause particles to move along the direction of the field.
  • #1
s0ft
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If we have a moving, neutral atom, say hydrogen, will it react to a magnetic field?
If yes, why?
If you ask why not, I argue that the atom as a whole is a chargeless entity.
 
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  • #2
Yes. A group of charged particles with zero net charge can still have non-zero magnetic moments. The particles may have orbital angular momentum (such as the electron in hydrogen) or intrinsic spin, and these can all interact with magnetic fields.
 
  • #3
So, if the atom had a zero net magnetic moment, then it wouldn't be affected right? And is such an atom possible?
 
  • #4
s0ft said:
So, if the atom had a zero net magnetic moment, then it wouldn't be affected right?

Right.

And is such an atom possible?

Yes. un-ionized, unexcited Helium-4 has no magnetic moment: its electrons are both in the s-orbital (so no angular momentum) and the two electrons, two protons, and two neutrons are all respectively anti-parallel, so there is no total magnetic moment due to spin.
 
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  • #6
LastOneStanding said:
Right.



Yes. un-ionized, unexcited Helium-4 has no magnetic moment: its electrons are both in the s-orbital (so no angular momentum) and the two electrons, two protons, and two neutrons are all respectively anti-parallel, so there is no total magnetic moment due to spin.

Even Helium will show diamagnetic behaviour in a magnetic field so it will be influenced.
 
  • #7
Think Iron.
 
  • #8
s0ft said:
If we have a moving, neutral atom, say hydrogen, will it react to a magnetic field?
If yes, why?
If you ask why not, I argue that the atom as a whole is a chargeless entity.

An external magnetic field will 'affect' the absorption lines of many neutral atoms. See Zeeman Effect.
 
  • #9
What about Lorentz force, on a moving neutral atom?
 

1. Can a neutral atom be affected by a magnetic field?

Yes, a neutral atom can be affected by a magnetic field. While neutral atoms do not have a net charge, they still have a magnetic dipole moment due to the spin of their electrons. This magnetic dipole moment can interact with an external magnetic field, causing the atom to be affected.

2. How does a magnetic field affect a neutral atom?

The magnetic field can cause the magnetic dipole moment of the atom to align with the field, resulting in a change in the atom's orientation. This can also cause the atom to experience a force, depending on the strength and direction of the field.

3. Can any neutral atom be affected by a magnetic field?

Yes, all neutral atoms can be affected by a magnetic field. The strength of the effect may vary depending on the atom's properties, such as its electronic configuration and the strength of its magnetic dipole moment.

4. What are some practical applications of using magnetic fields to affect neutral atoms?

One practical application is in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, where magnetic fields are used to align and manipulate the magnetic dipole moments of atoms in the body to create detailed images. Magnetic fields are also used in particle accelerators to control and manipulate the motion of neutral atoms.

5. Can a neutral atom be affected by a magnetic field if it is in a vacuum?

Yes, a neutral atom can still be affected by a magnetic field even in a vacuum. The presence of a medium does not affect the interaction between the magnetic dipole moment of the atom and the external magnetic field.

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