Question

For a paramagnetic material, the magnetic susceptibility $\chi_m$ is

• A. small, positive and varies inversely with temperature
• B. small, negative and temperature independent
• C. small, positive and temperature independent
• D. very large, negative and temperature dependent
• E. very large, positive and temperature independent

Hint:

Remember that Curie's Law is significant for explaining the temperature dependence of magnetism in paramagnetic materials.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Paramagnetic materials are characterized by a small positive susceptibility. 
Step 2: These materials do not retain magnetization in the absence of an external magnetic field, unlike ferromagnetic materials. 
Step 3: According to Curie's Law, the susceptibility $\chi_m$ of paramagnetic materials is inversely proportional to their temperature. 
Step 4: Therefore, as the temperature increases, the magnetic susceptibility decreases, which aligns with option (A).