Yes, but it depends on the form of hydrogen. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is diamagnetic.
Understanding Diamagnetism in Molecular Hydrogen
Diamagnetism is a property of a substance that causes it to create an induced magnetic field in opposition to an externally applied magnetic field, thus causing a repulsive effect. This happens because when an external magnetic field is applied, the electrons in the molecular hydrogen adjust their motion, creating a small magnetic field that opposes the external field. Since molecular hydrogen has paired electrons, their magnetic moments cancel out, resulting in diamagnetism.
Paramagnetism and Unpaired Electrons
Contrast this with paramagnetic substances. Paramagnetism requires at least one unpaired electron. In such cases, the individual atoms or molecules possess a net magnetic moment. These moments align partially with an external magnetic field, causing attraction. However, molecular hydrogen has no unpaired electrons, so it is not paramagnetic.
Forms of Hydrogen and Magnetism
It's crucial to specify which form of hydrogen is being discussed:
- Molecular Hydrogen (H₂): Diamagnetic (repelled by magnetic fields).
- Atomic Hydrogen (H): Paramagnetic (attracted to magnetic fields) because it has one unpaired electron.
Summary
In summary, while atomic hydrogen is paramagnetic due to its unpaired electron, molecular hydrogen (the form most commonly referred to) is diamagnetic because its electrons are paired, resulting in no net magnetic moment.
