Ferromagnetic

Definition

Ferromagnetic materials are those that exhibit strong magnetic properties due to the alignment of their magnetic domains. Common examples include iron, cobalt, and nickel.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ferromagnetic materials have a high susceptibility to magnetization.
2. The Curie temperature is the temperature above which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties.
3. Magnetic domains in ferromagnetic substances align parallel to each other in the presence of an external magnetic field.
4. Hysteresis is observed in ferromagnets, which is the lag between changes in magnetization and the applied magnetic field.
5. Ferromagnetic materials can retain their magnetism even after the external magnetic field is removed.

Review Questions

• What happens to a ferromagnetic material when it is heated above its Curie temperature?
• Explain how hysteresis is related to ferromagnetic materials.
• Why do ferromagnetic materials retain their magnetism even after an external magnetic field is removed?

Related terms

Curie Temperature:

The temperature at which a ferromagnetic material transitions to a paramagnetic state and loses its permanent magnetism.

Magnetic Domains:

Regions within a ferromagnetic material where the magnetic moments are aligned in the same direction.

Hysteresis:

\text{The lag between changes in magnetization of a material and changes in the applied magnetic field.}