Paramagnetic

Paramagnetic describes a substance or material that is weakly attracted by an externally applied magnetic field. This attraction is caused by the presence of unpaired electrons within the substance's atoms or ions. These unpaired electrons possess a magnetic dipole moment, and when subjected to a magnetic field, they tend to align themselves with the field's direction, thus causing the substance to be drawn toward the magnetic field. Unlike ferromagnetic materials, which exhibit a strong, permanent magnetization, paramagnetic materials only become magnetized in the presence of an external field, and their magnetization disappears when the field is removed. This phenomenon is temperature-dependent, with higher temperatures generally decreasing paramagnetic susceptibility. The degree of attraction is relatively weak compared to ferromagnetic substances and is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.

Paramagnetic meaning with examples

• The experiment used a liquid oxygen sample, known to be paramagnetic due to the presence of unpaired electrons in its oxygen molecules. Upon entering the magnetic field, the liquid oxygen was visibly drawn towards the stronger magnetic region, demonstrating its paramagnetic nature. Its weak attraction contrasted sharply with the strong attraction observed in previous experiments with iron fillings.
• Nickel chloride solution exhibits paramagnetism because of the unpaired electrons of nickel ions in the solution. When placed in a strong magnetic field, the solution experiences a very slight attraction, which can be measured. This behavior distinguishes nickel chloride from diamagnetic substances, like water, which are repelled by a magnetic field.
• Scientists study the paramagnetic properties of certain rare earth elements, like gadolinium, because of their unique magnetic behavior that’s linked to the number of unpaired electrons and their energy levels. The paramagnetic response can provide valuable insights into the structure and behavior of these materials, particularly at very low temperatures.
• A specific type of MRI contrast agent utilizes paramagnetic gadolinium complexes. These complexes, when injected into the body, alter the magnetic properties of surrounding tissues, helping to enhance image contrast and delineate structures. The agent's paramagnetic behavior is critical for its effectiveness in medical imaging.
• In a chemistry lab, a student tested a solid compound to see if it contained any paramagnetic elements by placing it within a magnetic field. The slight movement of the compound toward the magnet hinted at the presence of elements with unpaired electrons, suggesting its composition was unlike that of diamagnetic materials or those with completely paired electrons.