MODERN VIEW ABOUT MAGNETISM

 MODERN VIEW ABOUT MAGNETISM

            According to the modern view, the magnetic properties of a substance are due to the motions of electrons (orbital and spin) in the atoms. We know that an atom consists of a central nucleus with electrons revolving around the nucleus in different orbits. This motion of electrons is called orbital motion.

The electrons also rotate around their own axis. This motion of electrons is called spin motion.

Due to these two motions, each atom is equivalent to a current loop i.e. each atom behaves as a magnetic dipole.

1.     In the un-magnetized substances, the magnetic dipoles are randomly oriented so that magnetic fields mutually cancel. When the substance is magnetized, the magnetic dipoles are aligned in the same direction. Hence the substance shows net magnetism.

2.     Since the revolving and spinning electrons in each atom cause magnetism, no substance is non-magnetism.

3.     It is important to note that the spinning motion of electrons, in particular, is responsible for the magnetism of a substance.