Paramagnetic

Paramagnetic (/ˌpærəmæɡˈnɛtɪk/) refers to a type of magnetism in which certain materials are attracted by an externally applied magnetic field, and form internal, induced magnetic fields in the direction of the applied magnetic field.

Etymology

The term "paramagnetic" is derived from the Greek words "para", meaning "beside" or "near", and "magnetikos", meaning "magnetic".

Properties

In a paramagnetic material, there are unpaired electrons. The unpaired electrons are free to align their magnetic moments. When a magnetic field is applied, these moments will tend to align themselves in the same direction as the field, thus reinforcing it.

Examples

Examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminium, oxygen, titanium, and copper sulfate. These materials do not retain the magnetic properties when the external field is removed.

Related Terms

Diamagnetic: Materials that create an induced magnetic field in a direction opposite to an externally applied magnetic field, and are repelled by the applied magnetic field.
Ferromagnetic: Materials that have some unpaired electrons and hence can be magnetized. They retain their magnetic properties even when the external field is removed.
Antiferromagnetic: Materials in which the magnetic moments of atoms or ions usually related to the electrons' spin, align in a regular pattern with neighboring spins pointing in opposite directions.
Ferrimagnetic: Materials that exhibit a form of magnetism called ferrimagnetism. The magnetic moments of the atoms or ions align in a regular pattern, but some moments point in the opposite direction, but not with the same magnitude, resulting in a net magnetic moment.