Problem 17 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Which type of substance is attracted by a magnetic field, a diamagnetic substance or a paramagnetic substance?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Paramagnetic substances, which have unpaired electrons and a net magnetic moment, are attracted by a magnetic field. On the other hand, diamagnetic substances, with all electrons paired up and a net zero magnetic moment, experience a repulsive force in a magnetic field.

Step 1: Understand diamagnetic and paramagnetic substances

Diamagnetic substances are materials in which all the electrons are paired up, resulting in a net zero magnetic moment. When an external magnetic field is applied to a diamagnetic substance, it generates an induced magnetic field in the opposite direction to the applied field. As a result, diamagnetic substances experience a repulsive force when placed in a magnetic field. Paramagnetic substances have unpaired electrons, leading to a net magnetic moment. When an external magnetic field is applied to a paramagnetic substance, the magnetic moments align with the applied field. This results in an attractive force between the substance and the magnetic field.

Step 2: Determine the type of substance attracted to the magnetic field

As we learned in Step 1, diamagnetic substances experience a repulsive force when placed in a magnetic field, while paramagnetic substances experience an attractive force. Therefore, the substance that is attracted to the magnetic field is a paramagnetic substance.