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NEET PHYSICSEasy

The magnetic moment of a diamagnetic atom is:

A

much greater than one.

B

one.

C

between zero and one.

D

equal to zero.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Definition of Diamagnetism: Diamagnetic substances are those in which individual atoms or molecules do not possess a permanent magnetic dipole moment. This occurs because the electrons in the atom are paired.
  2. Cancellation of Moments: In a diamagnetic atom, the magnetic moments arising from the orbital motion and spin of the electrons vectorially cancel each other out completely. Consequently, the resultant magnetic moment of the atom is zero .
  3. Effect of External Field: When placed in an external magnetic field, a weak magnetic moment is induced in the direction opposite to the field, leading to repulsion, but the intrinsic moment of the isolated atom remains zero.
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