Question

Explain the difference between the following substances with the help of examples: 

(i) Paramagnetic 
(ii) Diamagnetic 
(iii) Ferromagnetic

Hint:

Ferromagnetic materials retain magnetism, while paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials do not.

Answer 1

i. Paramagnetic Substances 

Step 1: Paramagnetic materials have unpaired electrons in their atomic structure, which cause weak attraction to external magnetic fields.

Step 2: They have a small and positive magnetic susceptibility and align weakly with the applied magnetic field. Examples: Aluminum, Platinum, Oxygen. \[ \boxed{\text{Weak attraction, e.g., Aluminum}} \] 

ii. Diamagnetic Substances 

Step 1: Diamagnetic materials have all paired electrons, causing them to create an induced magnetic field in the opposite direction to the applied field. 

Step 2: They have a small and negative magnetic susceptibility and are weakly repelled by the applied magnetic field. 

Examples: Copper, Gold, Bismuth. \[ \boxed{\text{Weak repulsion, e.g., Copper}} \] 

iii. Ferromagnetic Substances 

Step 1: Ferromagnetic materials have domains of atoms that align strongly with an external magnetic field, creating a strong attraction. 

Step 2: They have high positive susceptibility and retain magnetization even after removing the external field. 

Examples: Iron, Nickel, Cobalt. \[ \boxed{\text{Strong attraction, e.g., Iron}} \]