The magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substancea)is independen...
Introduction:
Paramagnetic substances are those substances that exhibit weak magnetism in the presence of an external magnetic field. The magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance is a measure of its ability to become magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field. It is given by the ratio of the magnetization of the substance to the applied magnetic field.
Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'D' - the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance increases with a decrease in temperature. This can be explained by the following points:
1. Curie's Law:
According to Curie's law, the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance is inversely proportional to the absolute temperature. In other words, as the temperature decreases, the magnetic susceptibility increases. This relationship holds true until the substance reaches its Curie temperature.
2. Curie Temperature:
The Curie temperature is the temperature at which the paramagnetic substance undergoes a phase transition from a paramagnetic state to a non-magnetic or diamagnetic state. Above the Curie temperature, the substance behaves as a paramagnetic material. As the temperature decreases below the Curie temperature, the substance starts to lose its paramagnetic properties.
3. Thermal Energy:
At higher temperatures, the thermal energy of the atoms or molecules in the paramagnetic substance is sufficient to overcome the alignment of the magnetic moments in the presence of an external magnetic field. This leads to a lower magnetic susceptibility.
4. Decrease in Thermal Energy:
As the temperature decreases, the thermal energy decreases, and the atoms or molecules have less energy to overcome the alignment of their magnetic moments. This results in a higher magnetic susceptibility.
5. Quantum Mechanical Effects:
At very low temperatures, quantum mechanical effects start to dominate. These effects cause the magnetic moments of the atoms or molecules to align more strongly with the external magnetic field, leading to an even higher magnetic susceptibility.
Conclusion:
In summary, the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance increases with a decrease in temperature. This is due to the decrease in thermal energy and the dominance of quantum mechanical effects at lower temperatures.