Why is hydrogen diamagnetic, and oxygen paramagnetic?

Question

These two elements seem to be exceptions to the larger rule that atoms with an odd number of electrons are paramagnetic and elements with an even number of electrons are diamagnetic. If anyone knows, or better, knows a good place I could read about this, that would be wonderful. My electromagnetic theory book doesn't say why this is, only that it is. Thanks!

Answer 1

For the hydrogen , you must not consider the atom BUT THE MOLECULE of hydrogen H2. In the molecule H2 , the atoms share their electrons and their valance shell is completee. You know that H has only one electron on the shell K . If two molecules share their electrons , the shell K is complet and they are diamagnetic

For oxygen Consider the molecule O2. The molecule is 2 paramagnetic when they have one orbitals or more than one orbital with single electrons . this is the case for molecule O2
the atom of O has 8 electrons 2 are in the inner shell K but the electrons of shell L rearrange in order to occupy 2 Molecular orbitals with only one electron So molecule of O2 is a bi radical
(2 orbitals with one single electron in its normal state. look on my link to see the orbitals I have not enough place. In some case, the 2 single electrons can occupy a shell giving the oxygen singlet


The electron is structure of the atom of oxygen is the following

1s2 1s2 2p4 (8 electrons)

Answer 2

It has to do with the molecular orbital theory. Oxygen has two lonely electrons in 2 pi bonds, while hydrogen has two electrons in one sigma bond, and one empty bond.

My chem prof's lecture explains this very well (with oxygen and hydrogen as specific examples), and you can read it here:
http://www.chem.queensu.ca/courses/06/chem112/Lectures/QuantumMechanics7_4perpage.pdf
The explanation for O2 begins on pg 22

:) good luck!

Answer 3

No. you are able to magnetize water purely through impressive a best power magnet below the water field. yet this water might want to have the impurities which it already comprise. briefly you'd be able to fee filthy water and organic water with magnet. Magnetising the water isn't a mind-set to purify water. To get total end effect of Magnetised water you may want to fee the organic water.