Diamagnetic and paramagnetic are terms used to describe the magnetic properties of materials. Here are the key differences between the two:

Diamagnetic Materials

• Have a weak, negative susceptibility to magnetic fields.
• Are characterized by paired electrons, meaning that all electrons are paired and there are no unpaired electrons/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Magnetic_Properties).
• Do not produce their own magnetic field and are not attracted to an external magnetic field. In fact, they produce their own magnetic field in the opposite direction.

Paramagnetic Materials

• Have a small, positive susceptibility to magnetic fields.
• Are characterized by one or more unpaired electrons/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Magnetic_Properties).
• Are attracted to an external magnetic field due to the electrons magnetic dipole moments/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Magnetic_Properties).

To determine if a compound is diamagnetic or paramagnetic, you need to examine its electron configuration. If all electrons are paired, the compound is diamagnetic. If any of its electrons are unpaired, the compound is paramagnetic/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Magnetic_Properties).