Explain the meaning of diamagnetic and paramagnetic. Give an example of an element that is diamagnetic and one that is paramagnetic. What does it mean when we say that electrons are paired?

Short Answer

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Diamagnetic substances repel an external magnetic field and do not retain magnetic properties when the external field is removed; gold is an example. Paramagnetic substances align with and are attracted to an external magnetic field; aluminum is an example. Electrons are paired when they occupy the same orbital but have opposite spins, leading to a net magnetic moment of zero.

Step by step solution

01

Define Diamagnetic

A diamagnetic substance is one that creates an induced magnetic field in a direction opposite to an externally applied magnetic field, thus repelling the applied field. The diamagnetic materials do not retain the magnetic properties when the external field is removed. Examples of diamagnetic substances include copper, silver, gold, and bismuth.
02

Define Paramagnetic

A paramagnetic substance is one whose atoms or molecules possess net magnetic moments that align in response to an external magnetic field, and thus the substance is attracted to the magnetic field. Paramagnetic materials include aluminum, oxygen, titanium, and iron oxide.
03

Explain Electron Pairing

Electrons are said to be paired when they reside in the same atomic or molecular orbital but have opposite spins. This opposite spin gives rise to a net magnetic moment of zero, making such substances diamagnetic.

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