The Magnetic Mystery: How Does Blood React to Magnets?

🔬Iron in our blood is not in the form of solid metallic pieces but is part of a complex molecule called hemoglobin.

💉The iron atoms in deoxygenated hemoglobin have unpaired electrons, making it paramagnetic.

🧲The iron atoms in oxygenated hemoglobin have paired electrons, resulting in a diamagnetic reaction and causing the blood to be repelled by magnets.

💡The magnetic properties of atoms, molecules, and crystalline structures are determined by the number of unpaired electrons.

❓The ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin in our blood is typically such that most of our blood is in the diamagnetic, repelled state near magnets.

Is there iron in our blood?

—Yes, there is iron in our blood, but it is not in the form of solid metallic pieces. Instead, it is part of a complex molecule called hemoglobin.

Are magnets dangerous to handle near our blood?

—No, magnets are not dangerous to handle near our blood. The iron in our blood, which is part of the molecule hemoglobin, does not react in the same way as solid metallic pieces of iron.

Why does blood react in a strange way near magnets?

—Blood reacts in a strange way near magnets because of the complex nature of the molecule hemoglobin. The iron atoms in deoxygenated hemoglobin have unpaired electrons, resulting in a paramagnetic reaction. In contrast, the iron atoms in oxygenated hemoglobin have paired electrons, causing a diamagnetic reaction and repelling the blood from magnets.

Does the iron content in our blood make it magnetic?

—No, the iron content in our blood does not make it magnetic. The magnetic properties of materials depend on the arrangement of atoms, molecules, and crystalline structures, as well as the presence of unpaired electrons.

Should I be concerned about the iron in my blood near MRI-scanners?

—No, you do not need to be concerned about the iron in your blood near MRI-scanners. Even the strongest magnets used in MRI-scanners will not pose a problem, as the iron in your blood is not in a ferromagnetic state and will not be affected by the magnetic field.

00:00The video begins by addressing a commonly asked question about the dangers of handling strong magnets near the iron in our blood.

01:30The video explains that the iron in our blood is not in the form of solid metallic pieces, but is part of a complex molecule called hemoglobin.

04:15The video demonstrates that blood, when mixed with iron particles, forms clots near magnets in a simulated blood vessel, highlighting the potential danger if blood contained solid metallic pieces of iron.

05:49The video reveals that blood is repelled by magnets, indicating that the iron in our blood does not possess ferromagnetic properties.

07:09The video explains that the magnetic reaction of hemoglobin is dependent on the presence of unpaired electrons in the iron atoms.

07:51The video concludes that there is no need to worry about the iron in our blood near magnets, as most of our blood is in the diamagnetic state and will be repelled, not attracted, by magnets.