Q.Write one important property of a paramagnetic material.

Showing the 12 most recent of 21 on this concept.

1. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.Super conductor material exhibit perfectly

   (a) ferromagnetism

   (b) paramagnetism

   (c) diamagnetism

   (d) strong ferromagnetism

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Superconductors show the Meissner effect - they expel magnetic field lines completely from their interior, which is the signature of perfect diamagnetism.

   Below their critical temperature, superconductors develop surface currents that exactly cancel any external magnetic field inside the material, so B_inside = 0. A material with a magnetic susceptibility of exactly -1 (complete flux expulsion) is called a perfect diamagnet, and this is precisely what a superconductor exhibits.

   ✓Final answer

   (c) diamagnetism.

2. CBSE 2025Set 55/6/11 markMCQ
   Q.A piece of a diamagnetic material, free to move when placed in a uniform magnetic field: (A) moves along the field (B) moves opposite to the field (C) moves perpendicular to the field (D) does not move at all

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A diamagnetic material experiences no net force in a uniform magnetic field because the induced magnetic moment opposes the field but the field gradient is zero — so the material does not move. The correct option is (D).

   Why This Works

   The key is the word uniform. A uniform magnetic field has the same strength and direction at every point. For any material to experience a net force, the field must be non-uniform — there must be a gradient. Diamagnetism is a weak, induced effect: when placed in a field, the material develops a tiny magnetic moment opposite to the field. But in a uniform field, equal and opposite forces on the north and south poles of this induced dipole cancel out exactly. No net force means no motion.

   Watch out

   A classic mistake is to think diamagnetic materials are "repelled" by magnets — that's true only in a non-uniform field (like near a pole). In a uniform field, repulsion doesn't produce motion because the force is zero everywhere.

   Step-by-Step Reasoning

   1. Understand the nature of diamagnetism

      Diamagnetic materials have no permanent magnetic dipoles. When placed in an external magnetic field $\vec{B}$, the orbital motion of electrons changes slightly, inducing a magnetic moment $\vec{m}$ that is opposite to $\vec{B}$. This is a weak effect, present in all materials but usually swamped by paramagnetism or ferromagnetism.

   2. Force on a magnetic dipole in a field

      The force on a magnetic dipole $\vec{m}$ in a magnetic field $\vec{B}$ is given by:

   $\vec{F} = \nabla (\vec{m} \cdot \vec{B})$

   For a diamagnetic material, $\vec{m}$ is antiparallel to $\vec{B}$, so $\vec{m} \cdot \vec{B} = -|\vec{m}||\vec{B}|$. The force becomes:

   $\vec{F} = -\nabla (|\vec{m}||\vec{B}|)$

   This force depends on the gradient of the field magnitude.

   3. Apply to a uniform field In a uniform magnetic field, $\vec{B}$ is constant in magnitude and direction everywhere. Therefore:

   $\nabla |\vec{B}| = 0$

   Consequently, $\vec{F} = 0$ at all points. The material experiences no net force.

   4. What about torque?

      A uniform field can exert a torque on a magnetic dipole, tending to align it with the field. But for a diamagnetic material, the induced moment is always opposite to the field — so the torque is zero (the moment is already aligned antiparallel, which is an unstable equilibrium, but no torque acts to rotate it further). Even if a tiny torque existed, the material is "free to move" translationally, not necessarily to rotate; the question asks about motion, implying translation.

   5. Contrast with non-uniform fields

      If the field were non-uniform (e.g., near a magnet's pole), $\nabla |\vec{B}| \neq 0$, and the diamagnetic material would experience a force away from the stronger field region — the classic "repulsion" of diamagnets. But the problem explicitly states a uniform field.

   Tip

   A neat way to remember: In a uniform field, a diamagnetic material is like a neutral object in a uniform gravitational field — no net force, so no motion. The induced dipole is there, but the field doesn't "push" anywhere because it's the same everywhere.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (D): the material does not move at all.

3. CBSE 2025Set X11 mark
   Q.Water is an example for ________ material.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   diamagnetic Water has no permanent atomic magnetic moment and is weakly repelled by a magnetic field (relative permeability slightly less than 1), so it is a diamagnetic material.

   ✓Final answer

   diamagnetic

   Water has no permanent atomic magnetic moment and is weakly repelled by a magnetic field (relative permeability slightly less than 1), so it is a diamagnetic material.

4. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.Magnetic susceptibility of a magnetic material is $1.9\times10^{-5}$. What type of magnetic material is this?

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A small positive susceptibility ($\chi \sim 10^{-5}$) is characteristic of paramagnetic materials.

   Magnetic susceptibility $\chi$ classifies materials: diamagnetic materials have a small negative $\chi$ (of order $-10^{-5}$), paramagnetic materials have a small positive $\chi$ (of order $10^{-5}$ to $10^{-3}$), and ferromagnetic materials have very large positive $\chi$ (of order $10^3$–$10^5$). Here $\chi = 1.9\times10^{-5}$ is small and positive, which is the signature of a paramagnetic material.

   ✓Final answer

   It is a paramagnetic material (small positive susceptibility).

5. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.Magnetic susceptibility chi of a paramagnetic substance is ____________.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Paramagnetic materials are weakly attracted into a magnetic field, corresponding to a small positive susceptibility that falls off as temperature rises.

   Magnetic susceptibility $\chi = M/H$ relates the magnetisation $M$ induced in a material to the applied field $H$. For a paramagnetic substance, the atomic magnetic dipoles align weakly with the applied field (partially, against thermal randomisation), giving a small positive susceptibility ($\chi > 0$, typically of order $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-5}$). By Curie's law, $\chi \propto 1/T$, so it decreases as temperature increases.

   ✓Final answer

   Magnetic susceptibility $\chi$ of a paramagnetic substance is small and positive (and inversely proportional to absolute temperature).

6. CBSE 2024Set A11 markMCQ
   Q.The universal property among all substances is

   (a) Diamagnetism

   (b) Paramagnetism

   (c) Ferromagnetism

   (d) Non-magnetism

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   (a) Diamagnetism

   ✓Final answer

   (a) Diamagnetism

   Diamagnetism arises from the change in orbital motion of electrons due to an applied field and is present in every material. It is universal, though it is weak and gets masked in para- and ferromagnetic substances.

7. CBSE 2024Set IMPROVEMENT1 mark
   Q.If magnetic susceptibility $\chi$ of a magnetic material is small and negative then what type of magnetic material is this?

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Small, negative susceptibility is the defining signature of a diamagnetic material.

   Magnetic susceptibility $\chi$ measures how strongly a material responds to an applied magnetic field. Diamagnetic materials have a small, negative $\chi$ (typically of order $-10^{-5}$), meaning they are weakly magnetised opposite to the applied field. (In contrast, paramagnetic materials have small positive $\chi$, and ferromagnetic materials have large positive $\chi$.) Since the given material has small and negative $\chi$, it is diamagnetic.

   ✓Final answer

   It is a diamagnetic material.

8. CBSE 2024Set A1 mark
   Q.Fill in the blank with appropriate word: The substances which have negative magnetic tendency are called ______ substances.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A negative magnetic susceptibility (χ < 0) identifies a diamagnetic substance.

   Magnetic materials are classified by their magnetic susceptibility χ, defined by $M = \chi H$ (M = magnetisation, H = magnetising field).

   • Diamagnetic substances have a small negative susceptibility — they get weakly magnetised opposite to the applied field and are repelled by it (e.g., bismuth, copper, water).
   • Paramagnetic substances have a small positive susceptibility.
   • Ferromagnetic substances have a large positive susceptibility.

   Since the question specifies a negative magnetic tendency, the answer is diamagnetic.

   ✓Final answer

   Diamagnetic substances.

9. CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.What is paramagnetic substance?

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Paramagnetic materials have unpaired-electron atomic dipoles that partially align with an external field, giving weak magnetisation in the field's own direction.

   In a paramagnetic substance, individual atoms or molecules possess a net (permanent) magnetic dipole moment, usually due to unpaired electrons. In the absence of an external field, these dipoles are randomly oriented due to thermal agitation, so the net magnetisation is zero.

   When an external magnetic field is applied, the dipoles tend to align (partially) along the field direction, producing a small net magnetisation in the same direction as the applied field. This magnetisation is weak, and it disappears once the field is removed. Paramagnetic materials have a small positive magnetic susceptibility (e.g. aluminium, sodium, platinum, chromium).

   ✓Final answer

   A substance with atoms having a net magnetic moment, which gets weakly magnetised in the direction of the applied field (susceptibility small and positive).

10. CBSE 2023Set 55/1/11 markMCQ
    Q.A diamagnetic substance is brought near the north or south pole of a bar magnet. It will be :

    (a) repelled by both the poles.

    (b) attracted by both the poles.

    (c) repelled by the north pole and attracted by the south pole.

    (d) attracted by the north pole and repelled by the south pole.

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Diamagnetic materials develop an induced magnetic moment opposite to the applied field, causing repulsion regardless of which pole approaches them. The answer is (a).

    Why diamagnetic materials behave this way

    When you place any material in a magnetic field, the field tries to align the tiny atomic current loops inside it. Most materials respond in one of three ways: ferromagnetic (strong attraction), paramagnetic (weak attraction), or diamagnetic (weak repulsion).

    Diamagnetic substances have no permanent magnetic moments. Their atoms have paired electrons whose magnetic effects cancel out. But here's the key: when an external magnetic field approaches, it induces tiny currents in the electron orbits through Lenz's law. These induced currents create a magnetic moment that opposes the applied field—nature's way of resisting change.

    Think of it this way: if you bring the north pole of a bar magnet close to a diamagnetic material, the material develops a north pole on the side facing the magnet. Two north poles repel. If you bring the south pole close instead, the material develops a south pole facing it. Two south poles also repel.

    Step-by-step reasoning

    1. The external field induces a moment

       When either pole of the bar magnet approaches, the diamagnetic substance experiences a non-uniform magnetic field. This field penetrates the material and alters the electron orbital motion.

    2. Lenz's law governs the response

       The induced magnetic moment $\vec{m}_{\text{induced}}$ is always antiparallel to the applied field $\vec{B}_{\text{ext}}$:

    $\vec{m}_{\text{induced}} = -\chi \vec{B}_{\text{ext}}$

    where $\chi > 0$ is the (positive) diamagnetic susceptibility. The negative sign is the signature of diamagnetism.

    3. The force is always repulsive A magnetic dipole in a non-uniform field experiences a force:

    $\vec{F} = \nabla(\vec{m} \cdot \vec{B})$

    Since $\vec{m}_{\text{induced}}$ points opposite to $\vec{B}$, the dot product $\vec{m} \cdot \vec{B}$ is negative and decreases as the field strengthens. The gradient points the dipole toward weaker field regions—away from the magnet pole.

    4. Pole identity doesn't matter Whether you bring the north or south pole close, the diamagnetic material always arranges itself to oppose the field. The repulsion is symmetric with respect to pole choice.

    Watch out

    A common mistake is thinking "opposite poles attract" applies here. That rule works for permanent magnets or paramagnets with pre-existing moments. Diamagnets have induced moments that always oppose the field, so the usual attraction rule doesn't apply.

    Tip

    Remember: dia = "opposed to" in Greek. Diamagnetic materials are opposed to magnetic fields and try to move away from them.

    Physical examples

    Classic diamagnetic materials include bismuth, copper, water, and even the graphite in your pencil. The effect is weak—you need very strong field gradients to see levitation (like the famous levitating frog experiment). But the principle holds: bring any pole of a magnet near them, and they're pushed away.

    ✓Final answer

    The correct option is (a): a diamagnetic substance is repelled by both the north and south poles of a bar magnet.

11. CBSE 2023Set 55/4/11 markMCQ
    Q.The magnetic field lines near a substance are as shown in the figure. The substance is : (A) Copper (B) Iron (C) Sodium (D) Aluminium

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    The field lines bow away from the substance, indicating the material expels the field — the hallmark of a diamagnetic substance. Of the options, only copper is diamagnetic.

    ---

    Understanding magnetic response: how materials interact with external fields

    When you place a material in an external magnetic field, its atoms respond in one of three fundamental ways, depending on their electronic structure:

    Diamagnetic materials (like copper, gold, bismuth) have all electrons paired. The external field induces tiny circulating currents in the electron clouds that oppose the applied field (Lenz's law at the atomic scale). The net effect: the material develops a very weak magnetization opposite to the external field, so the field inside the material is slightly weaker than outside. Relative permeability $\mu_r < 1$ (typically $0.99999…$). Field lines are repelled or expelled from the substance.

    Paramagnetic materials (like aluminium, sodium, platinum) have unpaired electrons with permanent magnetic moments. These moments normally point randomly, but the external field aligns them along the field direction. The material develops a weak magnetization in the same direction as the applied field, so the field inside is slightly stronger. Relative permeability $\mu_r > 1$ (just barely, say $1.00002$). Field lines are drawn into the substance.

    Ferromagnetic materials (iron, cobalt, nickel) also have unpaired electrons, but with strong exchange coupling between neighbouring atoms. They form magnetic domains and can be permanently magnetized. In an external field, domains align strongly, and the field inside becomes much stronger. Relative permeability $\mu_r \gg 1$ (thousands). Field lines crowd into the substance dramatically.

    ---

    Reading the figure

    

    The diagram shows field lines approaching a rectangular bar from the left. Crucially, the lines bow outward around the bar — they avoid entering it. The density of lines inside the bar is lower than in the surrounding space. This is the signature pattern of field expulsion.

    Watch out

    A common mistake is to confuse "lines bending" with "attraction." If lines crowd into a material (higher density inside), the material is para- or ferromagnetic. If lines spread out and avoid the material (lower density inside), it is diamagnetic.

    ---

    Classifying the options

    Let's identify the magnetic character of each substance:

    Substance	Type	Field response
    Copper	Diamagnetic	Expels field lines (as in the figure)
    Iron	Ferromagnetic	Strongly attracts field lines
    Sodium	Paramagnetic	Weakly attracts field lines
    Aluminium	Paramagnetic	Weakly attracts field lines

    The figure shows field expulsion, so we need the diamagnetic substance.

    Tip

    Memorize the common diamagnets for exams: copper, gold, silver, bismuth, water, most organic compounds. Everything else in typical option lists (alkali metals, transition metals, aluminium) is either paramagnetic or ferromagnetic.

    ---

    Only copper is diamagnetic. Iron would pull the lines in strongly (ferromagnetic); sodium and aluminium would pull them in weakly (paramagnetic). Neither matches the outward-bowing pattern.

    ✓Final answer

    The correct option is (A) Copper, the only diamagnetic substance in the list, which expels magnetic field lines as shown.

12. CBSE 2023Set ANNUAL1 mark
    Q.Select two paramagnetic materials from the following: Sodium (Na), Bismuth (Bi), Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al), Lead (Pb).

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Of the given elements, sodium and aluminium are paramagnetic; bismuth, copper and lead are diamagnetic.

    Paramagnetic materials have unpaired electrons giving each atom a small net magnetic moment, so they are weakly attracted along an external field; diamagnetic materials have all electrons paired (no net atomic moment) and are weakly repelled. Among Sodium (Na), Bismuth (Bi), Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al), Lead (Pb): sodium and aluminium are classic paramagnetic metals, while bismuth, copper and lead are classic diamagnetic materials.

    ✓Final answer

    Sodium (Na) and Aluminum (Al).