Diamagnetic electrons in a homogenous magnetic field

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of diamagnetic materials in a homogeneous magnetic field, specifically focusing on the alignment of electrons and the implications for magnetic susceptibility. The scope includes theoretical aspects of magnetism and the behavior of electrons in magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the electrons in diamagnetic materials align anti-parallel to the external magnetic field, resulting in no net magnetic moment.
  • Others clarify that while the dipole moments of the current loops in diamagnetic substances align anti-parallel, this alignment does not imply a net magnetic moment.
  • A participant questions whether paired electrons or electrons in molecular bonds would align with a homogeneous magnetic field.
  • It is noted that there is a net magnetization in diamagnetic substances that is anti-parallel to the external field, and that this is associated with negative magnetic susceptibility.
  • One participant emphasizes that the alignment discussed is based on statistical averages and may not apply to every constituent due to thermal fluctuations.
  • Another point raised is that paired electrons cannot align parallel to an external magnetic field due to the Pauli exclusion principle, which contributes to the prominence of paramagnetism in substances with an odd number of electrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specifics of electron alignment in diamagnetic materials, with some clarifying points while others raise additional questions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these alignments for paired electrons and molecular bonds.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on statistical averages and the influence of thermal fluctuations on electron behavior, which may not be uniformly applicable to all constituents of a diamagnetic material.

anorred
Messages
58
Reaction score
0
When you place a diamagnetic material in a homogeneous magnetic field, do the electrons of the material align with the field?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No that's for paramagnetic substances; the (magnetic) dipole moments of the tiny current loops making up diamagnetic substances align anti-parallel to the external magnetic field.
 
Can you expand on that? I'm curious.
 
Well ok now I get it actually. So they do align with the field in an anti-parallel fashion, thus having no net magnetic moment.
 
I have another question. Would paired electrons or electrons of a molecular bond align with a homogenous magnetic field?
 
There is a net magnetization (magnetic moment per unit volume) and it is anti-parallel to the external homogenous magnetic field; we say that the diamagnetic substance has a negative magnetic susceptibility. Also, when we talk about the atoms aligning with an external magnetic field and whatnot we are speaking of statistical averages; it is not necessarily true for each and every constituent of the substance due to things like thermal fluctuations. Finally, paired electrons cannot align parallel with an external magnetic field because of the Pauli exclusion principle; this is why paramagnetism is more prominent in substances wherein the atoms have an odd number of electrons.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Does Diamagnetism Occur Even in a Constant Magnetic Field?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School How is the magnet being affected in this diamagnetic application?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Is this analogy between Magnetic Force and Gravitational Force accurate in helping to understand what contributes more to a stronger magnetic force?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Is there such a thing as an active diamagnet?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Question about orbital and spin magnetic dipole
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnetic levitation of a ball within a transparent tube
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate New magnetic field imaging technology with 100 nm resolution
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
878
Undergrad Charge movement relative to magnetic field frame dependence/invariance
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Why diamagnetic material is not repelled
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Diamagnetic material's response to temperature change
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K