Types of Magnetism

Learning Goal
I will understand how to explain the different types of magnetism that arises in elements based on their
electron configurations.

Success Criteria
I can explain how paramagnetism, diamagnetism and ferromagnetism arise in elements.
I can identify the type of magnetism present in different elements.
I can relate magnetism to electronic configurations and quantum numbers.

Introduction
Materials may be classified as ferromagnetic,
paramagnetic, or diamagnetic based on their response
to an external magnetic field. Ferromagnetism is a
large effect, often greater than that of the applied
magnetic field, that persists even in the absence of an
applied magnetic field. Diamagnetism is a property that
opposes an applied magnetic field, but it's very weak.
Paramagnetism is stronger than diamagnetism but
weaker than ferromagnetism.

Today’s Task
Your task this lesson is to research the three different types of magnetism that arise in
atoms and molecules, explain them, and the apply what you have learned to answer the
questions at the end of this document.

Today’s Assessment
The teacher will be circulating the room while you are working on your research and
having a graded conversation. You will be assessed on (a) your understanding of the topics
researched, and (b) your ability to properly explain your understanding using key terms.
A conversation rubric has been included at the end of this document.

Research
Use the following resources to help you research the three different types of magnetism
observed in atoms and compounds. You may of course use websites and videos other than
those listed if you would like.

Websites
https://bit.ly/2TNceg2
https://bit.ly/2SrADLD (this one has some practice questions and examples)
Videos
https://youtu.be/-lIc5z3XjXQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u36QpPvEh2c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt4P6ctf06Q (magnetic liquid oxygen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJeqriqRYYE (examples of using magnetism)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1vyB-O5i6E (levitating frog!)

Questions
1. Define ferromagnetism, paramagnetism and diamagnetism. Include any diagrams
you might need to help you explain what is occurring.

Diamegnetism: Magnetic fields are repelled by diamagnetic atoms. In response to external

magnetic fields the unpaired electrons of Paramagnetic Atoms are balanced and thus
attracted. In the absence of a magnetic field, paramagnets will not retain magnetization
because thermal energy randomizes the orientations of the electron spin.If the electrons in
an atom are paired and share their orbital with a separate electron in their orbit, the
overall spin of each orbital is zero and the atom is diamagnetic. Diamagnetic atoms are not
attracted to a magnetic field, but rather are slightly repelled.

Paramagnetism: A paramagnetic electron is an unpaired electron. An atom is

paramagnetic if even one orbital has a net spin. An atom may have ten diamagnetic
electrons, but it remains considered a paramagnetic atom if it still has one paramagnetic
electron. An atom can have 10 paired (diamagnetic) electrons but it still is considered a
paramagnetic atom, given that it has one paired (paramagnetic) electron as well.
Paramagnetic atoms are slightly attracted to a magnetic field. . Paramagnetic properties are
due to the realignment of magnetic field paths of the electron. Within the absence of an
externally applied magnet field, paramagnets do not maintain magnetization, since thermal
movement randomizes the direction of spin. More strong magnetic effects are typically
observed only with d- and f-electrons.

Ferromagnetic: Ferromagnetism is the fundamental mechanism that forms permanent

magnets in certain materials (such as iron). This means that the compound shows
permanent magnetic properties instead of only showing them when an external magnetic
field is present. Electrons of atoms are clustered in a ferromagnetic dimension in domains
where each domain has the same charge. These domains are similar to the entire
compound in the presence of a magnetic field. It depends on its number of
unpaired electrons and its atomic size, whether or not a compound may be ferromagnetic.
 2. Explain how these forms of magnetism are related to the electron spin (quantum
number ms).

If all electrons are paired and spin in counter it is diamagnetic

If electrons is unpaired is paramagnetic
If ferromagnetic depends on characteristics of the element.

3. Explain how you can tell from an orbital diagram if an element is paramagnetic or
diamagnetic? Give an example.

The magnetic properties of a substance can be determined by examining its electron

configuration: If it has unpaired electrons, then the substance is paramagnetic and if
all electrons are paired, the substance is then diamagnetic.

1. Write down the electron configuration

2. Draw the valence orbitals
3. Identify if unpaired electrons exist
4. Determine whether the substance is paramagnetic or diamagnetic

Chlorine atoms:

Step 1: Find the electron configuration

For Cl atoms, the electron configuration is 3s23p5

Step 2: Draw the valence orbitals

Ignore the core electrons and focus on the valence electrons only.

Step 3: Look for unpaired electrons

There is one unpaired electron.

Step 4: Determine whether the substance is paramagnetic or diamagnetic

 Since there is an unpaired electron, Cl atoms are paramagnetic (albeit, weakly).

Zinc atoms:

Step 1: Find the electron configuration

For Zn atoms, the electron configuration is 4s23d10

Step 2: Draw the valence orbitals

Step 3: Look for unpaired electrons

There are no unpaired electrons.

Step 4: Determine whether the substance is paramagnetic or diamagnetic

Because there are no unpaired electrons, Zn atoms are diamagnetic.

4. Are most elements paramagnetic or diamagnetic? Explain why.

Most are paramagnetic as the majority have unpaired electrons (excluding noble gases.)

5. One piece of evidence that supports the quantum mechanical model of the atom lies
in the magnetic properties of matter. Atoms with unpaired electrons are attracted
by magnetic fields and are said to exhibit Paramagnetism. The degree to which this
effect is observed is directly related to the number of unpaired electrons present in
the atom. Consider the ground-state electron configurations for Li, N, Ni, Te, Ba and
Hg.
a. Which of these elements would be expected to be paramagnetic?
Li, Te, N

b. Arrange the elements in order of what you think would experience the
weakest magnetic force to the strongest magnetic force.
Li: 1s2 2s1 (Least magnetic)
 Te: [kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4 (2nd magnetic)
3
N: [He] 2s2 2p (Most magnetic)

6. Predict the type of magnetism present in the following atoms. Justify your answers
using electron configurations or orbital diagrams.
a. Aluminum (para) [Ne] 3s23p1
b. Beryllium (dia) [Xe] 6s2
c. Titanium (para) [Ar] 3d24s2
d. Mercury (dia)  [Xe] 4f145d106s2