Question

The magnetism in a magnet is mainly due to:

• A. The orbital motion of the electrons
• B. The spin motion of the electrons
• C. The nuclear charge
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B The spin motion of the electrons

Electrons have a property called spin. This spinning creates a magnetic field with N and S poles, just as the spinning Earth has magnetic poles.

If electrons in the shells of an atom spin in the same direction, the atom will exhibit a magnetic field and will respond to the forces of a magnet. If half of the electrons spin one way and the rest spin the other way, they will neutralize each other and the material will not be affected by a magnetic field.