MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: Does a polar molecule have a magnetic field?

Date: Tue Jul 17 06:10:23 2007
Posted By: Michael Maskell, Patent Examiner, TC2800 - Physics
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1181759302.Ph
Message:

Atoms have a magnetic dipole moment due to the motion of the electrons around the nucleus, so yes, they and molecules they comprise will have magnetic fields. As far as a magnetic field being due to the polarity of a molecule, the polarity you're speaking of is electric polarity, meaning the molecule, while being on the whole neutral, has a positive charge at one end and a net negative charge at the other end. As with any charge, if these charges are set in motion, they will create magnetic fields.

It is possible to contain atoms in an optical/magnetic trap using lasers and magnetic fields, but there will always be some loss. For more information on these traps, see this page


Current Queue | Current Queue for Physics | Physics archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Physics.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@madsci.org
© 1995-2006. All rights reserved.