Magnetic properties of electrons

In summary, electrons have a fundamental magnetic property known as their "spin," which contributes to their overall magnetism. This property can be observed in materials, with some resulting in permanent magnets and others nullifying each other. While this magnetic moment is a fact of the universe, it cannot be explained by classical physics. Contrary to popular belief, magnetic fields can be created without the presence of a current. In molecules, both the spin and orbital angular momentum of electrons contribute to magnetism, with unpaired electrons in paramagnetic materials resulting in random magnetic fields that cancel out. However, an external field can cause these fields to align and create an induced magnetic field.
  • #1
esha
74
3
my textbook says that electrons have a basic characteristic of magnetism just like charge and mass. this magnetic property in some materials adds up to result in a permanent magnet and in some others nullifies each other. how does it really occur? moreover if electrons hav magnetic properties why can only currents create magnetic fields? why can't a static charge create a magnetic field?
 
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  • #2
Yes, electrons have a magnetic moment which comes from the "spin" of the electron. It's not spinning in the geometric sense (of having parts that rotate around a center), but it does have an angular momentum. It's a fact of the universe which can't be explained with classical (non-quantum) physics.

esha said:
moreover if electrons hav magnetic properties why can only currents create magnetic fields?
That's not correct. You can have a magnetic field with no current.
 
  • #3
when you are talking about the spin of the electrons... are you talking bout the magnetic quantum number? then i guess paramagnetism will help me to decide whether a molecule is magnetic or not through the magnetic orbital theory...

< Mentor Note -- fixeds text speak in post. Text speak is not allowed at the PF >
 
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  • #4
btw if i find a charge is paramagnetic will it generate magnetic field lines when kept stationary just like electric field lines?
 
  • #5
I was just talking about a lone electron, since you didn't mention molecules in your original post. In a molecule, you have both the spin and orbital angular momentum of the electrons contributing to the magnetism. Paramagnetic materials have electrons which are unpaired, so each atom will have some magnetic field. But the direction of the spin and orbit will be random for each atom, so for a bulk material, the magnetism cancels out. But an external field will cause the spins and orbits to line up and create an induced field.
 
  • #6
thanks... for the help...
 

1. What are the magnetic properties of electrons?

The magnetic properties of electrons refer to their ability to generate a magnetic field and their response to external magnetic fields. Electrons have a property called spin, which gives them a magnetic moment and allows them to interact with magnetic fields.

2. How does the spin of an electron affect its magnetic properties?

The spin of an electron determines the strength and direction of its magnetic moment. Electrons with opposite spin orientations have opposite magnetic moments, while electrons with the same spin orientation have the same magnetic moment.

3. What is the role of electrons in magnetism?

Electrons are the fundamental particles responsible for magnetism. The movement and spin of electrons create magnetic fields, and their interactions with other electrons and magnetic fields determine the magnetic properties of a material.

4. How do electrons interact with magnetic fields?

When an electron moves through a magnetic field, it experiences a force due to its magnetic moment. The direction of this force is perpendicular to both the direction of the electron's motion and the direction of the magnetic field.

5. What are some applications of the magnetic properties of electrons?

The magnetic properties of electrons have a wide range of applications, including in magnetic data storage (such as hard drives), electric motors, generators, and medical imaging devices. They are also used in research and technology for studying and manipulating materials at the atomic level.

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