paramagnetism

/ ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm; ˌpærəmæɡˈnɛtɪk /

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

paramagnetism

/ păr′ə-măg′nĭ-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.
2. Compare diamagnetism

Derived Forms

• paramagnetic, adjective

Example Sentences

The properties of paramagnetism and diamagnetism are not possessed by solids only, but exist also in liquids and gases.

From Project Gutenberg