Question

A tom containing odd number of electron is (1) Ferromagnetic (2) Ferrimagnetic (3) Paramagnetic (4) Diamagnetic

Short answer

Paramagnetic

Step-by-step solution

Understand Magnetic Properties

Learn the definitions and characteristics of Ferromagnetic, Ferrimagnetic, Paramagnetic, and Diamagnetic materials.

Identify the Electron Configuration

Recall that atoms with an odd number of electrons will have at least one unpaired electron.

Determine the Magnetic Property

Recognize that paramagnetic materials have unpaired electrons, which causes them to be attracted to magnetic fields. Ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic materials also contain unpaired electrons but exhibit more complex behaviors.

Match with Definitions

Compare the identified electron configuration and properties. Since the atom has an odd number of electrons (and hence, at least one unpaired electron), it aligns with the behavior of paramagnetic materials.

Key concepts

Ferromagnetic

Ferromagnetic materials are those that can become strongly magnetized. They are characterized by the presence of magnetic domains, which are regions within the material where the magnetic moments of atoms are aligned in the same direction.
When an external magnetic field is applied to a ferromagnetic material, these domains tend to align in the direction of the field, resulting in a strong magnetic effect.
Common examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Once magnetized, ferromagnetic materials can retain their magnetization, which makes them useful in making permanent magnets.

• Strong magnetic effect
• Presence of magnetic domains
• Examples: iron, cobalt, nickel

Ferrimagnetic

Ferrimagnetic materials are similar to ferromagnetic materials in that they have magnetic domains. However, in ferrimagnetic materials, these domains are aligned in opposite directions, but the magnitudes of the magnetic moments are different.
This results in a net magnetic effect similar to ferromagnetism, but usually weaker.
Ferrimagnetic materials typically include iron oxides, such as magnetite (Fe₃O₄). These materials are used in various applications like magnetic recording media and ferrite beads, which are used to suppress high-frequency noise in electronic circuits.

• Similar to ferromagnetism, but weaker
• Opposite alignment of domains
• Examples: iron oxides (magnetite)

Paramagnetic

Paramagnetic materials are attracted to external magnetic fields but do not retain magnetization once the external field is removed. These materials have unpaired electrons, which gives them magnetic moments.
The magnetic moments are not aligned in the absence of an external magnetic field, leading to only a weak attraction when a magnetic field is applied.
Examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminum, platinum, and certain transition metal ions. The behavior of paramagnetic materials is often contrasted with that of diamagnetic materials, which are repelled by magnetic fields.

• Weak attraction to magnetic fields
• Have unpaired electrons
• Examples: aluminum, platinum

Diamagnetic

Diamagnetic materials are characterized by their weak repulsion to magnetic fields. They have no unpaired electrons—all of their electrons are paired, resulting in no net magnetic moment.
When an external magnetic field is applied, diamagnetic materials create an induced magnetic field in the opposite direction, causing them to be repelled.
Examples of diamagnetic materials include copper, lead, and bismuth.
Unlike paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials, diamagnetic materials do not retain any magnetism when the applied magnetic field is removed.

• Weak repulsion to magnetic fields
• Electrons are paired
• Examples: copper, lead, bismuth