paramagnetism

(noun)

The tendency of magnetic dipoles to align with an external magnetic field; materials that exhibit this tendency become temporary magnets.

Related Terms

Examples of paramagnetism in the following topics:

  • Paramagnetism and Diamagnetism

    • Paramagnetism is the attraction of material while in a magnetic field, and diamagnetism is the repulsion of magnetic fields.
    • Paramagnetism is a form of magnetism whereby the paramagnetic material is only attracted when in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field.
    • Paramagnetic materials have a small, positive susceptibility to magnetic fields.
    • Paramagnetic materials include magnesium, molybdenum, lithium and tantalum.
    • Some paramagnetic materials retain spin disorder at absolute zero (meaning they are paramagnetic in the ground state).