If the magnetic susceptibility of a specimen is small and positive, the specimen is

Options

A. diamagnetic
B. paramagnetic
C. ferromagnetic
D. non-magnetic

Answer

To determine the type of material based on its magnetic susceptibility, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Magnetic Susceptibility**:
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) is defined as the ratio of the intensity of magnetization (M) to the applied magnetic field (H). Mathematically, it is expressed as:
\[ \chi = \frac{M}{H} \]

2. **Analyze the Given Information**:
The problem states that the magnetic susceptibility of the specimen is small and positive. This means:
- The value of χ is greater than 0 (indicating that the material is magnetized in the same direction as the applied field).
- The value of χ is small (indicating that the magnetization is weak compared to the applied field).

3. **Identify the Types of Magnetic Materials**:
- **Diamagnetic Materials**: Have negative susceptibility (χ < 0). They are repelled by magnetic fields.
- **Paramagnetic Materials**: Have small positive susceptibility (0 < χ << 1). They are attracted by magnetic fields.
- **Ferromagnetic Materials**: Have high positive susceptibility (χ > 1). They exhibit strong magnetization.
- **Non-Magnetic Materials**: Have zero susceptibility (χ = 0). They do not respond to magnetic fields.

4. **Evaluate Each Type Based on the Given Susceptibility**:
- **Diamagnetic**: Not possible since χ is positive.
- **Paramagnetic**: Possible since χ is small and positive.
- **Ferromagnetic**: Not possible since ferromagnetic materials have high susceptibility (χ > 1).
- **Non-Magnetic**: Not possible since the material shows some magnetization (χ is not zero).

5. **Conclusion**:
Since the only type of material that fits the criteria of having a small and positive magnetic susceptibility is paramagnetic, we conclude that the specimen is a **paramagnetic material**.

### Final Answer:
The specimen is a **paramagnetic material**.

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