The Magnetic Susceptibility of Rubidium

In view of the theoretical interest involved in Pauli's theory of paramagnetism, the author has reinvestigated the magnetic susceptibility of rubidium. The metal used is subjected to double distillation in vacuum to ensure purity. The technique employed for this is fully described. The susceptibility is determined at nine different field strengths ranging from approximately 9 to 25 kilogauss. No variation in the susceptibility of more than 2 percent is observed over this range. The estimated error in the mean value of the susceptibility is between 2 and 3 percent. The uniformity of the susceptibility, accordingly, shows absence of serious ferromagnetic impurity. The mean value of the mass susceptibility is found to be ${+0.21\mathrm{}}_7$ × ${10}^{-6\mathrm{}}$ at 20°C, the Pauli theoretical value being +0.32 × ${10}^{-6\mathrm{}}$. A table is included showing the results found by all other investigators on this subject. The bearing of the results on the Pauli theory is discussed briefly.