Paramagnetism is a property of some materials in which they are weakly attracted by an externally applied magnetic field and form internal, induced magnetic fields in the opposite direction. This is due to the presence of unpaired electrons in the material, which have a magnetic dipole moment and act like tiny magnets. When an external magnetic field is applied, the electrons spins align parallel to the field, causing a net attraction.
Some key points about paramagnetism in chemistry include:
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Unpaired Electrons: Paramagnetism results from the presence of at least one unpaired electron spin in a materials atoms or molecules.
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Magnetic Properties: Paramagnetic materials include aluminum, oxygen, titanium, and iron oxide (FeO).
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Electron Configuration: The magnetic properties of a substance can be determined by examining its electron configuration. If it has unpaired electrons, then the substance is paramagnetic, and if all electrons are paired, the substance is diamagnetic/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Magnetic_Properties).
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Molecular Orbital Theory: Diatomic oxygen, (O_2), is a good example of paramagnetism, described via molecular orbital theory/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Magnetic_Properties).
Overall, paramagnetism is a phenomenon in which materials are weakly attracted to an external magnetic field due to the presence of unpaired electrons in their atoms or molecules.
