Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Exhibiting paramagnetism: Describes a material that is weakly attracted by an externally applied magnetic field and forms induced magnetic fields in the direction of the applied field. This attraction occurs because the material contains atoms, ions, or molecules with unpaired electrons, creating permanent magnetic moments that align with the external field.
   • Relating to a paramagnet: Of or pertaining to a substance that displays paramagnetic properties.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Oxygen is a paramagnetic gas.
  • The researcher studied the paramagnetic properties of the metal complex.
  • This paramagnetic material loses its magnetism when the external field is removed.

Advanced Usage

• "paramagnetic resonance": A spectroscopic technique used to study materials with unpaired electrons, such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

  • Electron paramagnetic resonance is a crucial tool for studying free radicals.

• "paramagnetic center": A specific site within a material, like a lattice defect or an impurity ion, that possesses a paramagnetic character.

  • The color in the crystal is due to a paramagnetic center caused by an iron impurity.

Variants and Related Words

• Paramagnetism (n): The property of being paramagnetic; the form of magnetism whereby materials are weakly attracted by an external magnetic field.

  • The paramagnetism of the sample was measured.

• Paramagnet (n): A substance that exhibits paramagnetism.

  • Aluminum is a common paramagnet.

• Diamagnetic (adj): Exhibiting diamagnetism, meaning weakly repelled by a magnetic field, the opposite of paramagnetic.

• Ferromagnetic (adj): Exhibiting strong, permanent magnetism, a much stronger effect than paramagnetism.

Synonyms

• Magnetic (in a broad, weak sense, though this is imprecise as it includes all types of magnetism).
• Attracted to a magnet (descriptive phrase for the basic behavior).

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of paramagnetic is defined by its contrast with diamagnetic (repelled) and ferromagnetic (strongly attracted, retaining magnetism). It describes a specific, weak form of magnetic attraction.
• It is primarily a technical term used in physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Adjective

1. of or relating to a paramagnet