Question

The magnetic moment of a diamagnetic atom is

• A. much greater than one
• B. 1
• C. between zero and one
• D. equal to zero

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about the magnetic moment of a diamagnetic atom. To provide a comprehensive explanation, let's delve into the characteristics of diamagnetism and the nature of a diamagnetic atom.

Diamagnetism is a fundamental property of all materials. In diamagnetic substances, the magnetic moments of the atoms are aligned in such a way that they cancel each other out, resulting in a net magnetic moment of zero.

Diamagnetic materials are characterized by their negative susceptibility to external magnetic fields. When placed in a magnetic field, they tend to produce an induced magnetic field in the opposite direction, leading to a repulsive interaction with the external field. This phenomenon is due to the Lenz's Law, where induced currents oppose the change in flux that induces them. This property causes these materials to exhibit a weak negative magnetization.

Based on these characteristics, a key aspect of diamagnetic atoms is:

• The magnetic moment of the atom itself is zero because the magnetic moments due to electron motions and spins are balanced and cancel each other out.

Now, let's evaluate the options:

• Much greater than one: This option typically refers to paramagnetic or ferromagnetic substances, where unpaired electron spins contribute to significant magnetic moments.
• 1: This would imply that the atom has a net unit magnetic moment, which is not applicable to diamagnetic materials as they have no net magnetic moment.
• Between zero and one: This suggests a net positive magnetic moment, which doesn't apply to diamagnetic atoms as their net moment is zero.
• Equal to zero: This is the correct answer since the intrinsic property of diamagnetic materials is to have a net magnetic moment of zero.

Therefore, the magnetic moment of a diamagnetic atom is equal to zero.