Paramagnetic: meaning, definitions and examples
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paramagnetic
[ ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪk ]
magnetism property
Paramagnetic materials are those that are attracted by external magnetic fields. This occurs due to the presence of unpaired electrons in the atoms, which align with the external magnetic field. Unlike ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic substances do not retain magnetization in the absence of the magnetic field.
Synonyms
magnetic, magnetically responsive, non-ferromagnetic
Examples of usage
- Oxygen is a paramagnetic gas.
- Certain transition metals exhibit paramagnetic behavior.
- Paramagnetic materials can be used in magnetic resonance imaging.
Word origin
The term 'paramagnetic' is derived from the Greek prefix 'para-', meaning 'beside' or 'alongside', and 'magnetic', which comes from the Latin word 'magneticus', meaning 'of or pertaining to magnets'. The concept of paramagnetism was first introduced in the early 19th century when scientists began to explore the magnetic properties of various materials. The distinction between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials became important in understanding magnetism as a whole. In paramagnetic substances, the magnetic moments of individual atoms or ions are randomly oriented without an external magnetic field, but when exposed to such a field, they tend to align in the direction of the field. This characteristic is due to the unpaired electron spins that dominate in certain elements, leading to a temporary attraction until the external field is removed.