Diamagnetism does not exist as a classical phenomenon. Yet many elementary physics texts attempt to give ‘‘insight’’ into this subject using purely classical physics. We believe that these approaches mislead rather than help the students. On the other hand, just as semiclassical methods are employed in the chapters on quantum mechanics, these methods may be used to give an acceptable ‘‘explanation’’ of diamagnetism.
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© 1986 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1986
American Association of Physics Teachers
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