Diamagnetism is a property of materials that causes them to create an opposing magnetic field when subjected to an external magnetic field. This results in a very weak repulsion from the magnetic field, which occurs in all materials but is only significant in diamagnetic substances.
When a diamagnetic material is placed in a magnetic field, the electrons within the material rearrange slightly, creating a small magnetic field that opposes the external field. This leads to a very weak repulsive force, causing the diamagnetic material to be pushed away from the source of the magnetic field.
Common diamagnetic materials include bismuth, copper, gold, and graphite. Most materials exhibit some level of diamagnetism, but these materials demonstrate particularly strong diamagnetic properties.
Yes, diamagnetic materials have various practical applications, such as in magnetic levitation systems, where they can be levitated above strong magnets. They are also used in certain types of sensors and in the stabilization of magnetic fields in experimental setups.
Temperature can influence the diamagnetic response of materials, but generally, diamagnetism is not significantly affected by temperature changes. However, in some cases, extreme temperatures can alter the electronic structure of a material, potentially impacting its magnetic properties.