What causes paramagnetism and diamagnetism

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Paramagnetism occurs due to the presence of unpaired electrons, which align with external magnetic fields, resulting in attraction rather than repulsion. This behavior is confirmed through experimental observations, although the underlying mechanisms can be complex. Diamagnetism, on the other hand, involves electrons whose spins create opposing magnetic fields, leading to a repulsive effect in the presence of an external magnetic field, despite the overall neutrality of the atom. The repulsion arises from the induced magnetic field that opposes the external field. Understanding these phenomena requires a grasp of quantum mechanics and molecular behavior.
ColinD
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Paramagnetism: How does having an unpaired electron attract it into a magnetic field. Why not repel? Is there any reason or we just know from experiment?

Diamagnetism: If the electron spins and therefore magnetic fields cancel, what is causing it to repel from a magnetic field? If it is neutral, how is it repelled exactly?

Thanks for any help.
 
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Hello Colin,

As this is a complicated subject to explain I would start with this from min 4:00 to 11:00 Lecture where a bit of molecular diamagnetism is graphically shown.
 

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