Is the Atom the Ultimate Magnetic Particle?

Abstract

Effect of Magnetization of Crystal on Intensity of X-ray Reflection; Theory.—The intensity of reflection of X-rays from a crystal depends upon the arrangement of the atoms within the crystal and upon the arrangement of the electrons within the atom. If the ultimate magnetic particle is a group of atoms, such as the chemical molecule, magnetization of the crystal will change the orientation of the group and hence change the positions of the individual atoms. If the ultimate magnetic particle is the atom, magnetization will change the orientation of the atom and hence alter the arrangement of the electrons. In either case magnetization of a crystal should be accompanied by a change in the intensity of a beam of X-rays reflected from its surface.