In terms of magnetic properties, oxygen belongs to—

In terms of magnetic properties, oxygen (O2) is classified as a paramagnetic material. While simple Lewis structures might suggest all electrons in oxygen are paired [1], Molecular Orbital Theory reveals that oxygen molecules possess two unpaired electrons in their antibonding orbitals. These unpaired electrons result in a net magnetic moment, causing the substance to be attracted to magnetic fields. This property is most visibly demonstrated when liquid oxygen is poured between the poles of a strong magnet, where it remains suspended against gravity. Unlike diamagnetic materials that are slightly repelled by magnetic fields [3], paramagnetic substances like oxygen are weakly magnetized in the same direction as the applied field [3]. Although all elements exhibit some diamagnetism, in oxygen, the paramagnetic effect dominates [2].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.1 BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND > p. 60
2. [3] https://vijayacollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/VI-Sem-Unit-2-603-Magnetic-Properties-of-Materials-and-dielectrics.pdf
3. [2] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-eps/metallurgy/research/Magnetic-Materials-Background/Magnetic-Materials-Background-4-Classification-of-Magnetic-Materials.pdf