Question

The working of the proton-precession magnetometer is based on:

• A. the magnetic moment of hydrogen-atom nucleus being proportional to the angular momentum of its spin
• B. the fact that oxygen is diamagnetic
• C. the fact that the lowest energy level of electrons is in the ground state
• D. the Zeeman effect

Hint:

Proton-precession magnetometers use hydrogen nuclei because protons have a magnetic moment due to their spin, and precess in an external magnetic field.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding proton-precession magnetometers.
These magnetometers rely on the precession of the magnetic moment of protons (typically in hydrogen atoms) in an external magnetic field. Step 2: Principle of operation.
The magnetic moment of a proton is directly proportional to its spin angular momentum. When placed in a magnetic field, it undergoes Larmor precession at a frequency proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, which is what the instrument detects.