How Do Unpaired Electron Orbits React to External Magnetic Fields?

AI Thread Summary
An atom in an external magnetic field experiences both paramagnetism and diamagnetism, with the former dominating when unpaired electrons are present. In atoms with paired electrons, the net torque is zero, leading to a predominance of the diamagnetic effect due to changes in orbital velocities. However, unpaired electrons create a non-zero torque, prompting a physical reorientation of the orbitals to align with the external magnetic field. The discussion raises questions about why the paramagnetic effect prevails in these cases despite the presence of diamagnetism. Understanding these interactions is crucial for applications in quantum physics and material science.
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Please confirm & answer the following:

An atom exposed to an external B-field will experience both a torque on its orbitals (paramagnetism), and a change in orbital velocities and thereby a change in the magnetic momenta of the orbits (diamagnetism).

When the atom has all paired electrons, the net torque is zero so the phenomenon resulting from the change in orbital velocity dominates.

But, when the atom has an unpaired electron, the net torque on that orbital is non-zero. Question: So do these orbitals physically re-orient themselves to align with the Bexternal?
but the diamagnetic effect/influence is still present. Question: For atoms with unpaired electrons, why does the paramagnetic effect always win?
 
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