Question

How does electron configuration affect magnetism?

Answer 1

Based on the electron configuration, we can determine, whether an element is paramagnetic or diamagnetic .

Explanation:

Based on the electron configuration, we can determine, whether an element is paramagnetic or diamagnetic .

If the element has at least one half-filled orbital, it is considered paramagnetic.
Example: `N: 1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^3` (3 orbitals half-filled).

If the element has no half-filled orbitals, it is considered diamagnetic:
Example: `Be: 1s^(2)2s^(2)` (subshell is filled).

When Nitrogen and Beryllium are exposed to a magnetic field, only Nitrogen would be attracted to the magnetic field.