Question

Show diagrammatically the behavior of magnetic field lines in the presence of (i) paramagnetic and (ii) diamagnetic substances. How does one explain this distinguishing feature?

Answer 1

The distinguishing feature is the relative permeability.

• The diamagnetic:
• The relative permeability of the diamagnetic substance is less than 1.
• Therefore, the magnetic lines of force passing through the substance are low.
• The diamagnetic substance forces the lines to move from weaker to stronger regions.
• The paramagnetic:
• The relative permeability of the paramagnetic substance is less than 1.
• Therefore, the magnetic lines of force passing through the substance are high.
• The paramagnetic substance forces the lines to move from stronger to weaker regions.

Answer 2

Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic material

Explanation:

(i) Paramagnetic material tends to move from weaker to stronger regions of magnetic field. So the number of lines of magnetic field passing through it increases. Relative permeability is greater than 1. Magnetic lines of force pass through the substance as shown is picture one.

(ii) Diamagnetic material tends to move from stronger to weaker regions of magnetic field. So the number of lines of magnetic field passing through it decreases. Relative permeability is 1. Magnetic lines of force do not pass through the substance as shown is picture two.

Distinguishing feature is their relative permeability.