Jump to content

Magnatizing free radical H atoms?

Featured Replies

Is it possible to take molecular hydrogen gas contained in a near vacuum, break the bonds to create free radicals, and then induce them under a magnetic field to orient their magnetic moments in a specific direction in space? Furthermore, if the previous is possible, can the atoms then be induced into a constant motion in one direction by alternating the magnetic fields?

 

Sorry, I probably posted this in the wrong section. I should have done it in inorganic chemistry.

Under low pressure AND at extreme heat, like 3000K, H2 dissociates into H in significant proportion, like 10...70%. Only tungsten withstands such a temperature for a significant time without sublimating. That's an excellent reason not to use hydrogen.

 

Other elements are much more easily atomized and have a magnetic moment, for instance potassium gas, maybe mercury, zinc, cadmium...

 

Simpler: some molecules have a magnetic moment. Oxygen O2 is famous for it. That's because it has two non-paired electrons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplet_oxygen

pyrolytic graphite also reacts to fields without being ferromagnetic.

 

All these single atoms or small molecules react weakly to magnetic fields. If you desire important effects, you need a ferromagnetic solid, where the collective behaviour of many atoms collaborate.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.