This question was asked inGPSC AE (Electrical) Class-2 R&B Department Paper 2025 – Series MQuestion 8 of 179 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q109EasyMagnetostatics

A substance whose relative permeability is less than the permeability of free space is _____________.

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: A. Diamagnetic
Quick explanation

A diamagnetic material has permeability slightly below that of free space, equivalently relative permeability μr slightly less than 1. It develops a weak magnetization opposite to the applied field.

μ = μ₀ μᵣ χm = μᵣ - 1

Concept & Reasoning

The wording compares material permeability with free-space permeability. Since μ = μ0 μr, a material with μ < μ0 has μr < 1 and is diamagnetic. Paramagnetic substances have μr slightly greater than 1, while ferromagnetic materials can have μr many times larger than 1. Diamagnetism is weak and generally associated with negative magnetic susceptibility.

How to Solve It in the Exam

μ below μ₀ ⇒ μr below 1 ⇒ diamagnetic.

Important Exam Point

Translate permeability wording into relative permeability before selecting the material class.

Quick Trick

μ below μ₀ ⇒ μr below 1 ⇒ diamagnetic.

Common Mistake

Relative permeability is dimensionless; compare μr with 1, not numerically with μ0.

Solution diagram – A substance whose relative permeability is less than the permeability of free…
Exam tipTranslate permeability wording into relative permeability before selecting the material class.
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