A proton is also a charged particle and spins like an electron. Why is its effect neglected in the study of magnetism?

Although a proton is a charged particle and has spin like an electron, its effect is often neglected in the study of magnetism for a few key reasons:

  1. Proton’s Magnetic Moment: The proton does indeed have a magnetic moment due to its spin and charge, but the strength of the proton’s magnetic moment is much smaller compared to that of an electron. The electron’s magnetic moment, which arises from both its spin and orbital motion, is significantly larger, making the electron’s contribution to magnetic effects far more noticeable.

  2. Motion of Protons in Atoms: In most materials, protons are located in the nucleus of atoms, and their motion is tightly confined within the nucleus. This means they do not contribute as much to the overall magnetism of the material, which primarily depends on the behavior of the electrons (especially the unpaired ones in the outer shells).

  3. Mass Difference: The proton is about 1836 times more massive than an electron, so its motion and spin have much less of an effect on the material’s overall magnetic behavior. Electrons, being lighter, are much more responsive to magnetic fields, which makes their contribution to magnetism more significant.

Related Questions:

  1. Can two magnetic field lines intersect each other? Justify your answer.
  2. A freely suspended magnet always points along the north-south direction. Why?
  3. What is the neutral zone or field-free region of the magnetic field?
  4. Is there any material which does not have any magnetic behavior? Justify your answer.
  5. Q5. What is pitch and least count of: a. Vernier calipers if the smallest division on the main scale is 1 mm and total divisions on the vernier scale are 20. b. Screw gauge if the smallest division on its main scale is 0.5 mm and its movable scale has 50 divisions.
  6. Q6. Look at the measurement of vernier calipers:
  7. Q7. Look at the figure of screw gauge, let a small steel ball is place between its thimble and anvil then:
  10. SEPARATION TECHNIQUES
  11. Define the following branches of physics:
  12. Define the terms theory and law. Also, give two examples of each.
  13. Define Hypothesis?
  14. What is the difference between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics?
  15. What determines the validity of a theory?
  16. Which part of the study is not handled by the classical study of physics?
  17. Discuss the importance of physics in our daily life.
  18. Briefly discuss the importance of physics in other disciplines of science.
  19. Differentiate the terms ‘science’, ‘technology’, and ‘engineering’ with suitable examples.
  20. Explain the terms hypothesis, theory, and law with examples.