Diamagnetic

Definition

Diamagnetism is a fundamental property of all materials, where the application of an external magnetic field induces a weak magnetization in the opposite direction to the applied field. This effect arises from the orbital motion of electrons within atoms and molecules, which creates small magnetic fields that oppose the external field.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled by magnetic fields, and they have a negative magnetic susceptibility.
2. The diamagnetic effect is present in all materials, but it is typically overshadowed by stronger paramagnetic or ferromagnetic effects.
3. Diamagnetic materials include most common substances, such as water, carbon, copper, and gold, as well as some biological tissues.
4. The strength of the diamagnetic effect is directly proportional to the strength of the applied magnetic field, and it is independent of temperature.
5. Diamagnetic materials are used in various applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the development of superconducting magnets.

Review Questions

• Explain the mechanism behind the diamagnetic effect and how it differs from paramagnetism and ferromagnetism.
  • Diamagnetism arises from the orbital motion of electrons within atoms and molecules, which creates small magnetic fields that oppose an applied external magnetic field. This is in contrast to paramagnetism, where unpaired electrons create small magnetic moments that are weakly attracted to the external field, and ferromagnetism, where materials can be strongly magnetized and retain their magnetization even in the absence of an external field. The diamagnetic effect is present in all materials, but it is typically overshadowed by stronger paramagnetic or ferromagnetic effects.
• Describe the relationship between diamagnetic materials and magnetic susceptibility, and discuss how this property is used in practical applications.
  • Diamagnetic materials have a negative magnetic susceptibility, meaning they are weakly repelled by magnetic fields. The strength of the diamagnetic effect is directly proportional to the strength of the applied magnetic field, and it is independent of temperature. This property of diamagnetic materials is used in various applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where the diamagnetic nature of water and other biological tissues is exploited to generate detailed images of the body. Additionally, the development of superconducting magnets, which rely on the expulsion of magnetic fields by diamagnetic materials, is another important practical application of diamagnetism.
• Analyze the role of diamagnetism in the context of 12.7 Magnetism in Matter, and explain how it contributes to our understanding of the behavior of materials in magnetic fields.
  • Diamagnetism is a fundamental concept in the study of magnetism in matter, as it represents a universal property of all materials. Understanding diamagnetism is crucial for interpreting the magnetic behavior of materials, as the diamagnetic effect is always present and can sometimes compete with or mask stronger paramagnetic or ferromagnetic effects. By studying the diamagnetic properties of materials, we can gain insights into the electronic structure and bonding within atoms and molecules, as well as the role of orbital motion in the generation of magnetic fields. This knowledge is essential for understanding the broader principles of magnetism in matter and how materials interact with magnetic fields, which is a key focus of the 12.7 Magnetism in Matter topic.

Related terms

Paramagnetism: Paramagnetism is a form of magnetism where certain materials are weakly attracted to an applied magnetic field due to the presence of unpaired electrons, which create small magnetic moments.

Ferromagnetism: Ferromagnetism is a strong form of magnetism where materials can be magnetized and retain their magnetization, even in the absence of an external magnetic field.

Magnetic Susceptibility:

Magnetic susceptibility is a measure of the degree to which a material can be magnetized in an external magnetic field, and it is used to classify materials as diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic.