What is the cause for diamagnetism and other types of magnetism?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the causes of diamagnetism and other types of magnetism, exploring both classical and quantum mechanical perspectives. Participants inquire about the identification of different magnetic properties in molecules and atoms, as well as the complexities involved in understanding these phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the causes of magnetism are related to Faraday's law or quantum mechanical properties of matter.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource discussing the quantum-mechanical origins of magnetism.
  • A participant seeks clarification on how to easily identify whether a molecule or atom is diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic.
  • One participant elaborates on the complexity of magnetism, noting that intrinsic angular momentum (spin) and orbital angular momentum of electrons contribute to a magnetic dipole moment, and that the bonding of atoms in solids affects their magnetic properties.
  • This participant also mentions that the response of electrons to an applied magnetic field can change their magnetic properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express varying levels of understanding and complexity regarding the causes and identification of different types of magnetism.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations in simplifying the topic of magnetism, as it involves multiple factors including electron states, bonding, and the effects of external magnetic fields.

SandeshPhy
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What is the cause for diamagnetism and other types of magnetism?

Is it related to Farady's law or quantum mechanical properties of matter?
 
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So how do identify easily that a molecule or atom is diamagnetic or paramagnetic or ferromagnetic?
 


It's actually more complex than two sentences on physics forums can do justice to the subject. Each electron has intrinsic angular momentum (spin) which gives rise to a magnetic dipole moment, and orbital angular momentum depending on what state it is in inside the atom, which also gives rise to a magnetic moment. Add up all the magnetic effects of all the electrons in an atom and you can get a total magnetic moment. But you also have to take into consideration how the atoms bond with each to form a solid, because will effect their magnetic dipole's ability to respond to an applied field. Also, in responding to an applied magnetic field, the electron states change, which change their magnetic properties.
 

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