Diamagnetism

Diamagnetism, in Physics, denotes that branch of magnetism which treats of those substances which are repelled by the poles of a magnet, instead of being attracted like iron or steel. Among such diamagnetic substances we find bismuth, phosphorus, zinc, mercury, water, and air. Their repulsion from the poles of a powerful magnet is very slight, and is insignificant compared with the attraction of iron towards the poles.