Why some bodies are magnetized?

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In summary, different materials exhibit different types of magnetism. Most materials, such as wood, copper, and glass, are diamagnetic, meaning their electrons are not affected by a magnetic field. Some materials, like iron, cobalt, and nickel, are ferromagnetic, which means their magnetic electrons are aligned in a consistent direction even without a magnetic field. There are also paramagnetic materials, where the magnetic electrons align slightly but tend to randomize. Additionally, there are antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials, which have no net magnetic charge or a partially canceled out magnetic moment, respectively. Crystalline materials have stronger magnetism due to the alignment of their electrons, while non-crystalline materials, like
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abrowaqas
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Why only the magnetic bodies can be strongly magnetized while other bodies like wood, copper, glass e.t.c are hardly affected?
 
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(Almost?) All materials are more or less diamagnetic. Diamagnetism originates in changes in the electron orbit, but this effect is quite weak.

Only some materials are ferromagnetic.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=395265
This effect is different and rather due to rearrangements of the electron spin direction. Ferromagnetism is usually much stronger.

Then there are also paramagnetic materials. There the spins align themselve slightly, but tend to randomize.

Maybe it's best for you to read up about these three type of magnetism :) I might have mixed up some details, but the general idea is OK :)
 
  • #3
****ing magnets, how do they work?

WELL, most metals are paramagnetic, meaning that their magnetic electrons only align and are magnetic when they are in a magnetic field, and are random when they are not.

Fe, Co and Ni are FERROMAGNETIC, meaning their magnetic electrons keep their alignment when they are out of a magnetic field. Why? They have unbalanced 3d orbitals.

Cu is ANTIFERROMAGNETIC, meaning that they have no magnetic charge even in a magnetic field. Why? The magnetic electrons alternate in opposite directions, so they have no net magnetism

There is also FERRIMAGNETIC materials, such as Fe(x)O(y). This is because there are different types of Iron Oxides (e.g. FeO and Fe2O3) which only partially cancel out the net magnetic moment. So, they have a weaker magnetism.

I'm working from memory here, so research it properly yourself, but I think this won't lead you to far astray.

To understand hard and soft magnetism, look into magnetic domains. well worth it.

EDIT:
oh, wood isn't crystalline, so can't align and can't be magnetic (DIAMAGNETIC)
 

1. Why do some materials become magnetized?

Some materials become magnetized when the electrons in their atoms align in the same direction, creating a magnetic field. This can happen naturally or through exposure to a strong magnetic field.

2. Why are some materials naturally magnetic while others are not?

The magnetic properties of materials depend on their atomic structure. Materials with unpaired electrons, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, are naturally magnetic. Other materials can be magnetized, but they do not have a permanent magnetic field.

3. How does temperature affect magnetism?

At high temperatures, the movement of atoms and electrons disrupts the alignment of the magnetic fields, making the material less magnetic. At very low temperatures, some materials can become superconductors and exhibit strong magnetic properties.

4. Can any material be magnetized?

Most materials can be magnetized to some extent, but some are more difficult to magnetize than others. Materials with strong, rigid atomic structures, such as steel, are easier to magnetize than materials with more flexible atomic structures, like aluminum.

5. How can we use magnetism in everyday life?

Magnetism is used in a variety of everyday applications, including electric motors, generators, credit and debit cards, audio speakers, and MRI machines. It is also used in industrial processes such as separating metals and controlling the flow of materials in factories.

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