*This topic is often considered advanced and may not be found in a first year chemistry course.
Paramagnetic compounds (and atoms) are attracted to magnetic fields while diamagnetic compounds (and atoms) are repelled from magnetic fields.
Paramagnetic: has ANY unpaired electrons
Diamagnetic: all paired electrons
Example of Paramagnetic - Chlorine atom
Determine the electron configuration.
Draw the orbital box diagram of the last energy level.
3. Look for unpaired electrons - yes > paramagnetic or no > diamagnetic
Example of Diamagnetic - Zinc atom
Determine the electron configuration
Draw the orbital box diagram of the last energy level.
3. Look for unpaired electrons - yes > paramagnetic or no > diamagnetic
Because there are no unpaired electrons, Zn atoms are diamagnetic.
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