Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-physics-b-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2010/paper-1/section-b/b6/c/solution
Past exam of the physics B course of the University of Cambridge 2010 Paper 1 Section B B6 c Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
In paramagnetism, a material develops magnetization along a weak applied field, with positive susceptibility; in diamagnetism, it develops an induced moment opposing it, with negative susceptibility. In a simple localized-moment paramagnet, Zeeman alignment competes with thermal disorder. For independent two-state moments ,when the field is weak and demagnetizing corrections are negligible. Stronger fields saturate the moment; interactions and conduction-electron Pauli paramagnetism can depart from this Curie law.
Ordinary diamagnetism comes from a field-induced change of orbital motion, including in closed-shell matter without permanent atomic moments. Its weak susceptibility is often nearly temperature independent away from a transition, and it contributes a background even when another magnetic response dominates. A nonuniform field tends to attract a paramagnetic specimen toward stronger field and repel a diamagnetic specimen in the weak linear regime. Calibrate the holder contribution and field gradient and measure a temperature/field series to distinguish induced response from retained magnetization. Ferromagnetic hysteresis and superconducting flux expulsion require different collective explanations.
New to topics? Read the docs here!