Question

it is believed that when electrons spin on their axes as they orbit the nucleus of the atom, the spinning motion causes each electron to become ______.
a. a magnetite
b. a large permanent magnet
c. a paired magnet
d. a tiny permanent magnet

Explanation:

Analyze the physical mechanism of electron spin

Using the Electron Spin Magnetism knowledge point

$$ \mu_s = -g_s \frac{e}{2m_e} \mathbf{S} $$

The intrinsic spin of an electron creates a magnetic dipole moment, behaving like a tiny permanent magnet.

Evaluate the given multiple-choice options

Using the Electron Spin Magnetism knowledge point

• Option (a) "a magnetite" is incorrect because magnetite is a macroscopic mineral compound (\(\text{Fe}_3\text{O}_4\)), not an individual subatomic particle.
• Option (b) "a large permanent magnet" is incorrect because an individual electron is subatomic and its magnetic field is extremely small.
• Option (c) "a paired magnet" is incorrect because pairing refers to the cancellation of spins in filled orbitals, whereas the question asks about the state of each individual electron.
• Option (d) "a tiny permanent magnet" is correct because the spin of a single electron gives it a permanent magnetic dipole moment on an atomic scale.

Answer:

• a. a magnetite
• b. a large permanent magnet
• c. a paired magnet
• d. a tiny permanent magnet (Correct answer)