Why magnet can attract liquid oxygen but not aluminium?both paramagnet

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    Liquid Magnet Oxygen
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the magnetic properties of materials, specifically why a magnet can attract liquid oxygen but not aluminum, both of which are considered paramagnetic. The scope includes theoretical explanations and the influence of temperature on paramagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants explain that ferromagnetic materials have magnetic domains that align under an external magnetic field, while paramagnetic materials do not have such domains but are influenced by unpaired electrons.
  • One participant notes that liquid oxygen (LOX) is paramagnetic and can be attracted by magnets due to its unpaired electrons.
  • Another participant mentions that temperature affects paramagnetism, referencing Curie's law.
  • A participant questions whether there is confusion between paramagnetism and the phenomenon of Eddy currents.
  • Some participants suggest that the differences in attraction between liquid oxygen and aluminum may relate to temperature or the mass of the paramagnetic material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons behind the magnetic behavior of liquid oxygen versus aluminum, with no consensus reached on the specific factors influencing this difference.

Contextual Notes

There are references to Curie's law and the potential confusion between paramagnetism and Eddy currents, but the discussion does not resolve these points or clarify the assumptions involved.

Outrageous
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A magnet only attract ferromagnetic material because they have magnetic domains which will align to form magnetic dipole when external magnetic field applied.
Paramagnet don't have domains. Due to the presence of some unpaired electron, they will cause the realignment of the electron path when external magnetic field applied.
So they should be attracted by magnet also, eg liquid oxygen.
But why not aluminium ? is that because of the temperature or the mass of the paramagnetic material?
Thank you
 
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hi there

interesting question ... I was unaware that LOX was paramagnetic till now
here's one link to a site showing some easy to do experiments.

Yes it is to do with the unpaired electrons see this site

Aluminium is deemed paramagnetic see this link to Wiki

cheers
Dave
 
Temperature has a direct bearing on paramagnetism. See Curie's law.
 
Outrageous said:
A magnet only attract ferromagnetic material because they have magnetic domains which will align to form magnetic dipole when external magnetic field applied.
Paramagnet don't have domains. Due to the presence of some unpaired electron, they will cause the realignment of the electron path when external magnetic field applied.
So they should be attracted by magnet also, eg liquid oxygen.
But why not aluminium ? is that because of the temperature or the mass of the paramagnetic material?
Thank you

Are you perhaps confusing paramagnetism with Eddy currents?
 

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