magnetic susceptibility
C2Formal, Technical, Academic, Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A dimensionless measure of how much a material becomes magnetised when placed in an external magnetic field.
A fundamental physical property quantifying the magnetic response of a substance, indicating whether it is diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used as a noun phrase in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Implies a quantitative, measurable value (often denoted by χ).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. UK spelling conventions (e.g., 'paramagnetise' vs US 'paramagnetize') may apply in related terms.
Connotations
None. Purely technical with identical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to technical fields.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [material] has a [adjective] magnetic susceptibility.Magnetic susceptibility of [material] is [value/adjective].We measured the magnetic susceptibility using a SQUID magnetometer.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central concept in solid-state physics, geology, and chemistry research papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Key parameter in materials characterisation, MRI physics, and geophysical surveying.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Scientists can learn about a rock's history by studying its magnetic susceptibility.
- The paramagnetic sample exhibited a positive magnetic susceptibility that followed the Curie-Weiss law.
- A negative magnetic susceptibility is the defining characteristic of a diamagnetic material like water.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Susceptibility means 'how susceptible is it?' + Magnetic = How susceptible is the material to becoming magnetic?
Conceptual Metaphor
A material's 'magnetic appetite' – how strongly it 'feeds on' or 'resists' an external magnetic field.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'восприимчивость' in non-scientific contexts.
- Do not confuse with 'магнитная проницаемость' (magnetic permeability), a related but different concept.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'susceptibility' with a /b/ instead of /p/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a susceptibility') without a clear quantifier.
- Confusing it with 'electrical susceptibility'.
Practice
Quiz
What does a negative magnetic susceptibility indicate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are related but different. Susceptibility (χ) measures the magnetisation of a material in response to a field. Permeability (μ) measures the material's ability to support the formation of a magnetic field within itself. For linear materials, μ = μ₀(1+χ).
It is a dimensionless quantity, meaning it has no units. It is a pure number, often quoted as ×10⁻⁶ (for small values) or in SI or CGS units (which have different numerical values).
Yes. A negative magnetic susceptibility is the signature of diamagnetic materials, which are weakly repelled by a magnetic field. Most materials exhibit weak diamagnetism.
In research laboratories using devices like SQUID magnetometers or VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometers), and in the field using portable magnetic susceptibility meters for geological surveys or archaeology.