Definition of diamagnetism and paramagnetism

[samanthaywu]

What is diamagnetism and paramagnetism? Are there any recommended resources for better understanding these concepts?

[Akshata Kapadne 2K]

I stumbled upon paramagnetism and diamagnetism while studying for the last midterm on The Organic Chemistry Tutor channel on YouTube, and it was really informational if you want to check it out. Basically, a paramagnetic compound has unpaired electrons so they are attracted to the magnetic field, while in a diamagnetic compound, all the electrons are paired, so they are repelled from the magnetic field.

[Taber Ball 1F]

Thank you for your explanation! That was very helpful.
Did Dr. Lavelle cover this in any of his lectures? I don't recall learning about this.

[Leyna Tran 2D]

I do not think he covered this in his lectures, but it is good to have some background information on these terms. Diamagnetic electrons are ones that paired together in an orbital and the total spin is equal to zero. Meanwhile, paramagnetic electrons are ones that are an unpaired electron.

[DMaya_2G]

Diamagnetism is when a substance has no unpaired electrons and is not attracted to a magnetic field. In contrast, paramagnetism is when a substance are attracted to a magnetic field.