Diamagnetic: meaning, definitions and examples
🧲
Add to dictionary
diamagnetic
[ˈdaɪəˈmæɡnɪk ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
magnetism property
Diamagnetic refers to a property of materials that are repelled by magnetic fields. This occurs due to the material's electron configuration, where the electrons do not have any unpaired spins, leading to a weak repulsion in the presence of a magnetic field.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Bismuth is a diamagnetic metal.
- The diamagnetic properties of graphite are notable.
- Diamagnetic materials have no net magnetic moment.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Greek words 'dia' meaning 'through' and 'magneticos' meaning 'magnetic', indicating the behavior of these materials with magnetic fields.
- It was first used in the 19th century when scientists started categorizing materials based on their magnetic properties.
Physics
- Diamagnetic materials are characterized by the presence of paired electrons, which create a very weak magnetic field that opposes external magnetic fields.
- Examples include bismuth and copper, which demonstrate this property at room temperature.
- The effect of diamagnetism is usually quite weak, but it can be made more noticeable in superconductors, which exhibit strong diamagnetic properties.
Applications
- Diamagnetic materials are used in magnetic levitation, allowing objects to float above strong magnets without any support.
- This property is utilized in various scientific and industrial applications, such as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) where specific diamagnetic materials help create images of internal body structures.
Nature
- Natural world examples include living organisms; even human bodies have diamagnetic properties, which means we could, theoretically, be suspended in a strong enough magnetic field.
- Certain plants, like the lotus, exhibit diamagnetism which allows them to grow in magnetic fields without any physical disturbance.
Pop Culture
- The concept of diamagnetism was popularized in movies and shows to portray futuristic technology, emphasizing materials that could hover or float.
- Some science fiction works explore themes of magnetic fields in space travel, showcasing how understanding materials like diamagnetic substances could lead to advanced propulsion methods.