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Magnetic classification check: Is diamond paramagnetic, diamagnetic, or something else under normal conditions?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Diamagnetic under normal conditions

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Knowing whether a material is diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic is essential in materials science and device engineering. Carbon in the diamond structure provides a classic case study of closed-shell bonding and magnetic response.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Pure diamond (sp^3 bonded carbon), no significant defects or dopants.
  • Room temperature and weak applied magnetic fields.
  • Interest is in intrinsic (bulk) magnetic behavior.


Concept / Approach:
Diamagnetism arises when all electrons are paired; an applied field induces a small magnetic moment that opposes the field, giving a negative magnetic susceptibility. Diamond’s covalent network has paired electrons and no unpaired spin carriers, so it is diamagnetic. Paramagnetism requires unpaired electrons; ferromagnetism needs exchange-coupled ordering and domains.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify electronic structure of diamond: fully paired electrons in strong covalent bonds.Conclude absence of permanent dipoles; only induced moments occur.Therefore, classify as diamagnetic.


Verification / Alternative check:

Magnetic susceptibility measurements show small negative χ for diamond, consistent with diamagnetism.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Paramagnetism requires unpaired spins; ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism require magnetic sublattices and ordering not present in diamond.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing graphite's conduction behavior with magnetic ordering; graphite is also diamagnetic.


Final Answer:

Diamagnetic under normal conditions
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