Question

if the change in mass of a metal salt is negative, which of the following statements is correct?
a) the salt is diamagnetic and the metal ion is repelled by the external magnetic field
b) the salt is paramagnetic and the metal ion is repelled by the external magnetic field
c) the salt is diamagnetic and the metal ion is attracted to the external magnetic field
d) the salt is paramagnetic and the metal ion is attracted to the external magnetic field

Explanation:

Diamagnetic substances have all - paired electrons and are repelled by a magnetic field. A negative change in mass of a metal salt in a magnetic field indicates that the salt is being repelled. This implies that the salt is diamagnetic and the metal ion is repelled by the external magnetic field. Paramagnetic substances are attracted to a magnetic field and would show a positive change in mass in a magnetic - field experiment.

Answer:

a) The salt is diamagnetic and the metal ion is repelled by the external magnetic field