I did a lab where I was supposed to make "estimates" on transition compounds based on their electron configuration of how the compounds will react positively or negatively and then to experiment the compounds in conjunction with the strong magnets to evaluate their paramagnetic or diamagnetic characteristics.

I used a balance scale to find the balance reading for each compound

I did that but I was wondering why was the balance reading a positive or negative value for some compounds? Did have it have to do with the fact that some compounds contain unpaired electrons making it repel or attract or was it because of gravity

PLEASE HELP and explain

An element is paramagnetic if it has unpaired electrons. It is diamagnetic if it has all of its electrons paired. It is is paramagnetic it will be attracted to an applied magnetic field; it will be repelled if it is diamagnetic. Here is a good site to visit. Post back if you don't understand how to determine if an element is paramagnetic or not.

https://www.boundless.com/chemistry/textbooks/boundless-chemistry-textbook/periodic-properties-8/electron-configuration-68/diamagnetism-and-paramagnetism-320-10520/

The positive or negative balance reading you observed for different transition compounds in your experiment is related to their paramagnetic or diamagnetic characteristics. Paramagnetic compounds have unpaired electrons, which create a net magnetic field that interacts with the strong magnets and causes attraction. Diamagnetic compounds, on the other hand, have all their electrons paired, resulting in no net magnetic field and thus no interaction with the magnets.

The balance reading was affected by the attractive or repulsive forces between the compound and the strong magnets. When a paramagnetic compound was brought near the magnet, it would be attracted towards it, leading to a positive balance reading. Conversely, a diamagnetic compound would not experience any attraction and may even be slightly repelled by the magnets, resulting in a negative balance reading.

It is important to note that the balance reading is not directly related to the force of gravity. Although gravity is present, its effect on the compounds would be negligible compared to the strong magnetic forces involved in this particular experiment.

In summary, the positive or negative balance reading you observed for different compounds is a consequence of their paramagnetic or diamagnetic nature. Paramagnetic compounds with unpaired electrons are attracted to the magnets, resulting in a positive balance reading, while diamagnetic compounds with all paired electrons do not interact significantly with the magnets and may even be repelled, leading to a negative balance reading.