paramagnetism

/ (ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm) /


noun
  1. physics the phenomenon exhibited by substances that have a relative permeability slightly greater than unity and a positive susceptibility. The effect is due to the alignment of unpaired spins of electrons in atoms of the material: Compare diamagnetism, ferromagnetism

Derived forms of paramagnetism

  • paramagnetic (ˌpærəmæɡˈnɛtɪk), adjective

Words Nearby paramagnetism

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How to use paramagnetism in a sentence

Scientific definitions for paramagnetism

paramagnetism

[ păr′ə-măgnĭ-tĭz′əm ]


  1. The property of being weakly attracted to either pole of a magnet. Paramagnetic materials, such as aluminum and platinum, become slightly magnetized when exposed to a magnetic field, but they lose their magnetism when the field is removed. When these materials are magnetized by a nearby magnet, the orientation of their north and sole poles results in their being attracted to the closest pole of the magnet. Compare diamagnetism ferromagnetism.

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