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Is it possible to take molecular hydrogen gas contained in a near vacuum, break the bonds to create free radicals, and then induce them under a magnetic field to orient their magnetic moments in a specific direction in space? Furthermore, if the previous is possible, can the atoms then be induced into a constant motion in one direction by alternating the magnetic fields?

 

Sorry, I probably posted this in the wrong section. I should have done it in inorganic chemistry.

Posted

Under low pressure AND at extreme heat, like 3000K, H2 dissociates into H in significant proportion, like 10...70%. Only tungsten withstands such a temperature for a significant time without sublimating. That's an excellent reason not to use hydrogen.

 

Other elements are much more easily atomized and have a magnetic moment, for instance potassium gas, maybe mercury, zinc, cadmium...

 

Simpler: some molecules have a magnetic moment. Oxygen O2 is famous for it. That's because it has two non-paired electrons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplet_oxygen

pyrolytic graphite also reacts to fields without being ferromagnetic.

 

All these single atoms or small molecules react weakly to magnetic fields. If you desire important effects, you need a ferromagnetic solid, where the collective behaviour of many atoms collaborate.

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