Paramagnetic vs Diamagnetic for NEET/JEE: Easy Breakdown with Examples
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on Paramagnetic vs Diamagnetic tailored for NEET and JEE aspirants. This guide will help you confidently understand and identify paramagnetic and diamagnetic substances with real-world examples, electronic configurations, memory hacks, solved questions, and quick-reference tables.
What is Magnetism in Chemistry?
Magnetism in chemistry is the phenomenon of how substances respond to a magnetic field, depending on the arrangement of their electrons. Based on magnetic behavior, materials are classified into:
- Paramagnetic: Weakly attracted by a magnetic field due to unpaired electrons.
- Diamagnetic: Weakly repelled by a magnetic field due to all electrons being paired.
- Ferromagnetic: Strongly attracted (e.g., Fe, Co, Ni — not the focus of this article).
Definition and Meaning
Paramagnetic Substances
These are substances that contain unpaired electrons. They are attracted to external magnetic fields. The magnetism is due to the presence of magnetic moments of unpaired electrons.
Diamagnetic Substances
These substances have all electrons paired. They are repelled by magnetic fields and do not retain any magnetism when the field is removed.
Paramagnetic vs Diamagnetic: Comparison Table
| Property | Paramagnetic | Diamagnetic |
|---|---|---|
| Electron Configuration | Unpaired electrons | All electrons paired |
| Magnetic Behavior | Attracted to magnetic field | Repelled by magnetic field |
| Magnetic Moment | Non-zero | Zero |
| Stability | Less stable | More stable |
| Examples | Fe3+, Cu2+, O2 | Zn, He, H2O |
How to Identify Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic Elements
- Write the full or valence electron configuration.
- Check for unpaired electrons.
- If any are found → Paramagnetic.
- If all electrons are paired → Diamagnetic.
Exam-Focused Examples for NEET & JEE
| Species | Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| O2 | Paramagnetic | 2 unpaired electrons (MO theory) |
| N2 | Diamagnetic | All electrons paired |
| Zn2+ | Diamagnetic | 3d10 – full d-orbital |
| Fe3+ | Paramagnetic | 5 unpaired d-electrons |
NEET/JEE Tips and Tricks
- Odd atomic/molecular electron count → Usually paramagnetic
- Noble gases are always diamagnetic
- Transition metals: use d-electron configurations carefully
- Use Molecular Orbital Theory for O2, B2, C2
Practice Questions for NEET & JEE
- Which of the following is paramagnetic: H2, O2, N2, CO?
- Explain why Zn2+ is diamagnetic while Cu2+ is paramagnetic.
- Determine the magnetic nature of Cr3+ and Mn2+.
- Write the electronic configuration of Fe3+ and identify its magnetism.
Conclusion
Understanding Paramagnetic vs Diamagnetic is crucial for success in NEET and JEE. It’s not just about memorizing definitions — it’s about knowing how to quickly determine magnetic behavior using electron configurations. Use this guide as a complete resource to ace questions in your upcoming exams.