Neutral atoms, such as hydrogen, can indeed be affected by magnetic fields due to their intrinsic properties, despite having no net charge. The discussion highlights that even a neutral atom can possess a non-zero magnetic moment through orbital angular momentum or intrinsic spin. Specifically, un-ionized, unexcited Helium-4 is identified as an example of a neutral atom with no magnetic moment, as its electrons are in the s-orbital and exhibit anti-parallel spins. The Zeeman Effect is also mentioned as a phenomenon where external magnetic fields influence the absorption lines of neutral atoms.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, chemists, and students studying atomic physics, particularly those interested in the interactions between neutral atoms and magnetic fields.
s0ft said:So, if the atom had a zero net magnetic moment, then it wouldn't be affected right?
And is such an atom possible?
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.
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.