Question

Which type of substance is attracted by a magnetic field, a diamagnetic substance or a paramagnetic substance?

Short answer

Paramagnetic substances are attracted by a magnetic field due to their positive magnetic susceptibility and alignment with the field, while diamagnetic substances are repelled due to their negative magnetic susceptibility and induced magnetic field in the opposite direction. Therefore, paramagnetic substances are attracted by a magnetic field.

Step-by-step solution

Diamagnetic Substance: Definition

A diamagnetic substance is a material that does not have any unpaired electrons and exhibits a weak negative magnetic susceptibility. When exposed to an external magnetic field, it creates an induced magnetic field in the opposite direction, resulting in a repulsive force against the external magnetic field. Step 2: Define Paramagnetic Substance

Paramagnetic Substance: Definition

A paramagnetic substance is a material with unpaired electrons in its atomic or molecular structure, causing a positive magnetic susceptibility. When exposed to an external magnetic field, it aligns itself with the field, leading to attractive forces between the substance and the magnetic field. Step 3: Determine which type of substance is attracted by a magnetic field

Attraction to Magnetic Field

Based on the definitions and properties of diamagnetic and paramagnetic substances, we can conclude that paramagnetic substances are attracted by a magnetic field due to their positive magnetic susceptibility and alignment with the field. Diamagnetic substances, on the other hand, are repelled by magnetic fields due to their negative magnetic susceptibility and induced magnetic field in the opposite direction.