Paramagnetic materials are substances that are attracted to magnetic fields. This occurs because they have unpaired electrons, which create a magnetic moment. When exposed to an external magnetic field, these materials align their magnetic moments in the direction of the field, resulting in a weak attraction. Unlike ferromagnetic materials, which retain magnetization, paramagnetic materials do not hold onto their magnetism once the external field is removed. Common examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminum, manganese, and certain metal ions like iron(III). Their magnetic properties are typically weak and only noticeable in the presence of a strong magnetic field.