How Do Unpaired Electron Orbits React to External Magnetic Fields?

In summary, unpaired electron orbits are affected by external magnetic fields due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the magnetic dipole moment of the orbiting electrons. This interaction causes the orbit to precess, or rotate, around the direction of the magnetic field, resulting in a change in the energy levels of the electrons. This phenomenon is known as the Zeeman effect and can be observed in various physical systems, including atoms, molecules, and even subatomic particles. The strength and direction of the external magnetic field determine the specific behavior of the unpaired electron orbit, making it a crucial factor to consider in many scientific applications and experiments.
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Please confirm & answer the following:

An atom exposed to an external B-field will experience both a torque on its orbitals (paramagnetism), and a change in orbital velocities and thereby a change in the magnetic momenta of the orbits (diamagnetism).

When the atom has all paired electrons, the net torque is zero so the phenomenon resulting from the change in orbital velocity dominates.

But, when the atom has an unpaired electron, the net torque on that orbital is non-zero. Question: So do these orbitals physically re-orient themselves to align with the Bexternal?
but the diamagnetic effect/influence is still present. Question: For atoms with unpaired electrons, why does the paramagnetic effect always win?
 
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Related to How Do Unpaired Electron Orbits React to External Magnetic Fields?

1. What is the difference between paramagnetism and diamagnetism?

Paramagnetism and diamagnetism are both types of magnetism that arise in materials due to the presence of electron spins. However, the key difference between them is that paramagnetism is a weak attraction towards an external magnetic field, while diamagnetism is a weak repulsion from an external magnetic field.

2. How do paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials behave in a magnetic field?

Paramagnetic materials have unpaired electrons, which align their spins with the external magnetic field, resulting in a net attraction towards the field. Diamagnetic materials have all paired electrons, which produce a weak opposing magnetic field, causing a net repulsion from the external field.

3. What are some examples of paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials?

Some examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminum, platinum, and oxygen gas. Diamagnetic materials include copper, silver, and water. However, most materials exhibit both paramagnetic and diamagnetic properties to some extent.

4. How does temperature affect paramagnetism and diamagnetism?

In general, as temperature increases, the strength of paramagnetism decreases due to thermal energy disrupting the alignment of electron spins. On the other hand, diamagnetism is not significantly affected by temperature as it arises from the orbital motion of electrons, which is not affected by thermal energy.

5. Can paramagnetism and diamagnetism be observed in everyday objects?

Yes, both paramagnetism and diamagnetism can be observed in everyday objects. For example, a refrigerator magnet is an example of ferromagnetism, but the door of the refrigerator is an example of paramagnetism. Similarly, a pencil can be suspended in mid-air due to its diamagnetic properties.

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