Why is copper diamagnetic without a prefix?

  • Thread starter Thread starter schrodingerscat11
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Copper Diamagnetic
AI Thread Summary
Copper has 29 electrons with an electron configuration of 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s¹3d¹⁰, which leads to its classification as diamagnetic despite having an unpaired electron in the 4s subshell. The key point is that the diamagnetic effect from the fully filled 3d subshell outweighs the paramagnetic effect of the unpaired 4s electron. This results in copper exhibiting overall diamagnetic behavior. The discussion highlights the balance between the contributions of both the unpaired and paired electrons in determining the magnetic properties of the material. Understanding this balance clarifies why copper is considered diamagnetic without a prefix.
schrodingerscat11
Messages
86
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Our teacher said that if a material has an odd number of electrons, it implies a paramagnetic behavior. Copper, according to him, has odd number of electrons but is considered a diamagnetic material. He asks us to explain this phenomenon.


Homework Equations


Copper has 29 electrons. And its electron configuration is 1s22s22p63s23p64s13d10


The Attempt at a Solution


According to what they (internet) say, the d subshell borrowed an electron from the s subshell on n=3 (see electron configuration). This accounts for the diamagnetism. But isn't it that the electron on the s subshell is unpaired, and should cause the Cu to paramagnetic? Or is it the outermost subshell that is only considered? :( Thanks a lot.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is the received wisdom for bulk metallic copper, namely that the paramagnetic contribution from the unpaired 4s electron is smaller than the diamagnetic contribution from the closed 3d subshell. So both effects exist, but the diamagnetism is stronger.
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Back
Top