Size change in a paramagnetic molecule (oxygen) in a megnetic field?

In summary, placing a paramagnetic molecule in a magnetic field may cause changes in the shape of the electron cloud and thus the overall shape of the molecule, potentially impacting its physical properties. However, the size of the molecule itself will not be affected.
  • #1
amraud
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I know that placing a paramagnetic molecule inside a magnetic field will induce a magnetic force on the molecule from the unpaired electrons, but what will the effect be on the physical properties on the molecule (of any?)
Specifically will the size of the molecule be changed? My understanding is that the outer electrons define the outer border (the edges) of the molecule, so if the magnetic field influences the unpaired electrons, will that also change the size of molecule (or electron cloud) relative to a molecule not in a magnetic field?

Ex: Will a diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) INSIDE a magnetic field be any bigger or smaller than one NOT inside a magnetic field?
 
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  • #2
The size of the molecule itself will not be changed by placing it in a magnetic field. However, the direction and magnitude of the magnetic force on the unpaired electrons may cause them to move around the nucleus of the molecule, resulting in a change in the shape of the electron cloud and thus the overall shape of the molecule. This could potentially affect the physical properties of the molecule (such as its chemical reactivity) depending on the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field.
 
  • #3


I can confirm that placing a paramagnetic molecule, such as oxygen, inside a magnetic field will indeed induce a magnetic force on the molecule. This is due to the unpaired electrons in the molecule, which are affected by the magnetic field.

The effect on the physical properties of the molecule will depend on the strength of the magnetic field and the orientation of the molecule within the field. In general, the magnetic force will cause the molecule to align itself with the direction of the magnetic field. This can lead to changes in the molecule's rotational and vibrational energies, and therefore its physical properties.

Regarding the size of the molecule, it is possible that the magnetic field could slightly affect the size of the electron cloud surrounding the molecule. However, the overall size of the molecule is not likely to change significantly. This is because the size of a molecule is primarily determined by the arrangement and bonding of its atoms, rather than the behavior of individual electrons.

To answer the specific example given, a diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) inside a magnetic field will likely not be significantly bigger or smaller than one not in a magnetic field. However, there may be some minor changes in the molecule's vibrational and rotational energies, which could potentially affect its physical properties.

It is also worth noting that the effect of a magnetic field on a molecule will vary depending on its chemical composition and structure. Some molecules may be more strongly affected by a magnetic field than others, depending on the arrangement of their electrons.

In conclusion, while a magnetic field can induce changes in the physical properties of a paramagnetic molecule, the effect on the size of the molecule is likely to be minimal. Further research and experimentation may be needed to fully understand the extent of these changes and their potential impact on the molecule's behavior.
 

FAQ: Size change in a paramagnetic molecule (oxygen) in a megnetic field?

1. How does a magnetic field affect the size of a paramagnetic molecule?

When a paramagnetic molecule, such as oxygen, is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force that causes its electrons to align with the field. This alignment leads to an increase in the molecule's overall size due to the repulsive forces between the electrons.

2. What factors influence the degree of size change in a paramagnetic molecule in a magnetic field?

The degree of size change in a paramagnetic molecule in a magnetic field depends on the strength of the field, the number of unpaired electrons in the molecule, and the molecular structure. Generally, the stronger the magnetic field and the more unpaired electrons, the greater the size change will be.

3. Can a paramagnetic molecule's size decrease in a magnetic field?

No, a paramagnetic molecule's size will always increase when placed in a magnetic field due to the repulsive forces between the aligned electrons. However, the degree of increase may be minimal depending on the factors mentioned in the previous question.

4. How does the size change in a paramagnetic molecule affect its chemical properties?

The size change in a paramagnetic molecule can affect its chemical properties by altering the distances between the atoms and the overall shape of the molecule. This can impact its reactivity, stability, and other chemical behaviors.

5. Is the size change in a paramagnetic molecule reversible?

Yes, the size change in a paramagnetic molecule is reversible. Once the molecule is removed from the magnetic field, the electrons will no longer be aligned and the molecule will return to its original size. This allows for the molecule's properties to return to their initial state as well.

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