Paramagnetism
Liquid oxygen becomes trapped in an
electromagnet’s magnetic field because oxygen (O2) is paramagnetic.
Oxygen has two unpaired electrons whose magnetic moments align with external
magnetic field lines. When this occurs, the O2 molecules themselves
behave like tiny magnets, and become trapped between the poles of the
electromagnet.
Encarta Encyclopedia
Yoav Levy/Phototake NYC
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