Paramagnetism =D?

Question

Why are some elements/compounds paramagnetic, while others aren't, i think it's something to do with the D orbitals. but i'm not sure

thanks for any answers (within reason)

Answer 1

Paramagnetism is caused by unpaired electron spins. You often get this in the transition series and in the lanthanides, where you have incompletely filled d and f orbitals. you also find it in a few gases such as NO that have an odd number of electrons. Also in O2, for reasons that can only be explained by molecular orbital theory.