The Curie temperature, also known as the Curie point, is the temperature at which a material undergoes a phase transition from a ferromagnetic to a paramagnetic state. It is named after physicist Marie Curie who discovered this phenomenon.
The Curie temperature is determined by measuring the magnetic susceptibility of a material as it is heated or cooled. This is done using a magnetometer, which is a device that measures the strength and direction of a magnetic field.
The Curie temperature of a material is affected by its chemical composition, crystal structure, and magnetic interactions between atoms. It is also influenced by external factors such as pressure and impurities.
At the Curie temperature, the lattice structure of a material undergoes a change from a regular, ordered arrangement to a more disordered state. This change in lattice structure is accompanied by a loss of magnetic properties.
The Curie temperature is an important parameter in materials science because it can be used to predict and control the magnetic properties of materials. It also provides insight into the behavior of materials at high temperatures, which is crucial for many industrial and technological applications.