A hydrogen atom is paramagnetic . A hydrogen molecule is

Options

A. Diamagnetic
B. Paramagnetic
C. Ferromagnetic
D. None of these

Answer

To determine the magnetic properties of a hydrogen molecule (H₂), we need to analyze the electronic configuration of both the hydrogen atom and the hydrogen molecule.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Hydrogen Atom:**
- A hydrogen atom has one electron, which can be represented by the electronic configuration: 1s¹.
- Since it has one unpaired electron, the hydrogen atom is classified as **paramagnetic**. Paramagnetic substances have unpaired electrons that contribute to their magnetic properties.

2. **Formation of Hydrogen Molecule (H₂):**
- When two hydrogen atoms come together to form a hydrogen molecule (H₂), we need to consider how their atomic orbitals combine.
- Each hydrogen atom contributes its 1s orbital (1s¹ from each atom).

3. **Molecular Orbital Theory (MOT) Application:**
- According to Molecular Orbital Theory, the 1s orbitals of the two hydrogen atoms combine to form two molecular orbitals:
- A **bonding molecular orbital** (σ1s) which is lower in energy and can accommodate two electrons.
- An **antibonding molecular orbital** (σ*1s) which is higher in energy.
- The bonding molecular orbital (σ1s) will be filled first.

4. **Electron Filling in H₂:**
- In the hydrogen molecule, both electrons from the two hydrogen atoms will occupy the bonding molecular orbital (σ1s).
- This means that the two electrons are paired in the bonding orbital.

5. **Conclusion on Magnetic Properties:**
- Since the electrons in the H₂ molecule are paired (no unpaired electrons), the hydrogen molecule is classified as **diamagnetic**.
- Diamagnetic substances have all their electrons paired and do not exhibit any net magnetic moment.

### Final Answer:
A hydrogen molecule (H₂) is **diamagnetic**.