Magnetic properties of compounds

[905934067]

Can you elaborate on the relationship between molecular orbital theory and the magnetic properties of compounds? How do filled and unfilled molecular orbitals contribute to the overall magnetic behavior of a molecule, and can you provide examples to illustrate these concepts?

[Christina Diep 3A]

Hi! The molecular orbital theory states that each atom tends to combine together and form molecular orbitals. Based on this theory, if a molecule has an overall magnetic moment meaning that it needs an unpaired electron, then the molecule is paramagnetic. If all the elctrons are paired, the molecule is diamagnetic. A quick example would be Na and He. Na has unpaired electrons and is attracted to a magnetic field while He has paired electrons and is repelled by the magnetic field.