What causes paramagnetism and diamagnetism

In summary, paramagnetism is caused by the presence of unpaired electrons in an atom or molecule, resulting in a weak attraction to an external magnetic field. Diamagnetism, on the other hand, is caused by the orbital motion of electrons, resulting in a weak repulsion to an external magnetic field. Materials that have unpaired electrons, such as transition metals and rare earth elements, exhibit paramagnetism, while materials that have no unpaired electrons, such as most non-metals and noble gases, exhibit diamagnetism. The strength of these magnetic properties can be affected by temperature, as higher temperatures can disrupt the alignment of magnetic dipoles. Both paramagnetism and diamagnetism can be observed in everyday life,
  • #1
ColinD
9
1
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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  • #2
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.
 

What causes paramagnetism?

Paramagnetism is caused by the presence of unpaired electrons in an atom or molecule. These unpaired electrons create a magnetic dipole moment, which aligns with an external magnetic field, resulting in a weak attraction.

What causes diamagnetism?

Diamagnetism is caused by the orbital motion of electrons in an atom or molecule. When an external magnetic field is applied, the orbital motion of the electrons creates an opposing magnetic field, resulting in a weak repulsion.

What types of materials exhibit paramagnetism and diamagnetism?

Materials that have unpaired electrons, such as transition metals and rare earth elements, exhibit paramagnetism. Materials that have no unpaired electrons, such as most non-metals and noble gases, exhibit diamagnetism.

Can temperature affect paramagnetism and diamagnetism?

Yes, temperature can affect the strength of paramagnetism and diamagnetism. As temperature increases, the thermal motion of electrons can disrupt the alignment of magnetic dipoles, thus weakening the magnetic properties of a material.

Can paramagnetism and diamagnetism be observed in everyday life?

Yes, paramagnetism and diamagnetism can be observed in everyday life. For example, paramagnetic materials are used in MRI machines, while diamagnetic materials are used in levitation demonstrations. However, the effects are typically very weak and require sensitive equipment to measure.

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