Para and Diamag BC question

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

emminent

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2014
Messages
356
Reaction score
62
Which of the following would be strongly attracted to magnetic fields?
  • A. He
  • B. H2
  • C. Zn
  • D. O2
  • E. N2
I understand why He and Zn are diamagnetic but I'm confused with the diatomics. Do we include both atoms in the diatomic when considering if they're paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

Members don't see this ad.
 
Well all of these atoms/molecules fulfill the octet rule.

  • He has a filled s shell - no unpaired e- so no magnetic attraction
  • H2 also has a filled s shell.
  • Zn has a filled outer shell.
  • O2 fulfills the octet rule by having a double bond ::O=O:: But is the exception and therefor paramagnetic.
  • N2 also fulfills the octet rule by having a triple bond with 1 lone pair on each N
So none of the answers are diamagnetic IMO. This seems like a terrible question. However if they are asking about the atoms when they dissociate from each other, N2 would be the answer since it has 3 unpaired e- in its outer shell making it the most attracted to a magnetic field.

IF ANYONE SEES AN ERROR WITH MY ANSWER PLEASE CORRECT ME AND I'LL EDIT THIS POST.

EDIT:
O2 is the exception to this rule and is paramagnetic.
 
Last edited:
Well all of these atoms/molecules fulfill the octet rule.

  • He has a filled s shell - no unpaired e- so no magnetic attraction
  • H2 also has a filled s shell.
  • Zn has a filled outer shell.
  • O2 fulfills the octet rule by having a double bond ::O=O:: But is the exception and therefor paramagnetic.
  • N2 also fulfills the octet rule by having a triple bond with 1 lone pair on each N
So none of the answers are diamagnetic IMO. This seems like a terrible question. However if they are asking about the atoms when they dissociate from each other, N2 would be the answer since it has 3 unpaired e- in its outer shell making it the most attracted to a magnetic field.

IF ANYONE SEES AN ERROR WITH MY ANSWER PLEASE CORRECT ME AND I'LL EDIT THIS POST.

EDIT:
O2 is the exception to this rule and is paramagnetic.
O2 is para

Thanks for the explanation but still don't get why O2 is para if it's octet is filled :\
Is there a reason why it's an exception or is it just something I should accept for the heck of this test lol
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Thanks for the explanation but still don't get why O2 is para if it's octet is filled :\
Is there a reason why it's an exception or is it just something I should accept for the heck of this test lol

Its MO theory. Hybrid orbitals

Boron and Oxygen are para magnetic. All other diatomic elements are diamagnetic
 
Top