Magnetic Materials
By Magnetic materials can be magnetized or are capable of producing a magnetic field. There are three types of magnetic materials:
- Ferromagnetic
- Paramagnetic
- Diamagnetic
Ferromagnetic
Ferromagnetic materials are strongly attracted to magnetic fields and they can retain their magnetism even after the external field is removed. This strong attraction occurs due to the alignment of the spins of unpaired electrons in the material's atoms, creating a net magnetic moment that is aligned with the external magnetic field. Examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, cobalt, nickel, and their alloys.
Paramagnetic
Paramagnetic materials are weakly attracted to magnetic fields. This attraction occurs due to the presence of unpaired electrons in the atoms of these materials. When a magnetic field is applied to a paramagnetic material, the unpaired electrons align themselves with the field, causing a net magnetic moment in the material. Examples of paramagnetic materials include aluminum, platinum, tungsten etc.
Diamagnetic
Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled by magnetic fields. These materials do not have unpaired electrons. The material as a whole does not have a net magnetic moment. Examples of diamagnetic materials include copper, gold, silver, etc.
