Draw the magnetic field lines distinguishing between diamagnetic and paramagnetic materials. Give a simple explanation to account for the difference in the magnetic behavior of these materials.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

The following diagram illustrates the behavior of diamagnetic and paramagnetic materials in a magnetic field.

In a diamagnetic material, the net magnetic moments of atoms are zero. Thus, when they are placed in an external magnetic field, they acquire a magnetic moment in a direction opposite the external field, and thus are repelled.

In a paramagnetic material, there is a preferred direction of the magnetic moments of atoms. When external field is applied, these moments are aligned along the direction of the field.