J7-10: DIAMAGNETIC REPULSION OF WATER

ID Code: J7-10
Purpose: Demonstrate diamagnetism of water
Description: Water is repelled by a magnet. The effect is called diamagnetism. However, the effect is very weak. The orientation of the magnet doesn't matter; with either pole toward the water, the water is repelled. Atoms and molecules in which all of the electrons are paired with electrons of opposite spin and in which the orbital currents are zero, such as in helium, water, and bismuth, are diamagnetic. Bring a magnet toward a diamagnetic material, you will induce an electric current in the atoms of that material which make the atoms magnetic in a way that will repel the approaching magnet. (This is the same result as predicted by Lenz's law.) The glass is also diamagnetic and contributes to the repulsive effect.
Availability: Available