Electrifying a permanent magnet

[fadecomic]

What happens, and why? (This isn't homework, just curiosity.)

To be more precise, what would happen to the magnetic field of the magnet if we passed a current through it (assuming it is conductive). Will the current disrupt the magnetic domains? Will the magnetization disappear?

 

[Creator]

What happens, and why? (This isn't homework, just curiosity.)

To be more precise, what would happen to the magnetic field of the magnet if we passed a current through it (assuming it is conductive). Will the current disrupt the magnetic domains? Will the magnetization disappear?

It may surprise you to know that one way to produce a permenant magnet is to pass high current through a conductive metal. The direction of the current will determine the direction of the field.

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[astrokreng]

Electrifying a permanent magnet refers to the process of passing an electric current through the magnet. This can potentially have several effects on the magnet's magnetic field, depending on the strength and direction of the current and the properties of the magnet itself.

One possible outcome is that the magnetic field of the magnet could become stronger. This is because the electric current passing through the magnet can align the magnetic domains within the magnet in the same direction, thus reinforcing the magnetic field.

However, if the current is strong enough, it could potentially disrupt the alignment of the magnetic domains and weaken the magnetic field of the magnet. This is because the current can create a magnetic field of its own, which can interfere with the magnet's existing field and cause the domains to become disordered.

It is also possible that the magnetization of the permanent magnet could disappear completely if the current is strong enough. This is because the electric current can generate heat, which can cause the magnet's material to reach its Curie temperature. This is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its magnetization and becomes paramagnetic.

In summary, electrifying a permanent magnet can have different effects on its magnetic field, depending on the strength and direction of the current and the properties of the magnet. It can potentially strengthen, weaken, or even eliminate the magnet's magnetic field, making it an interesting area of study for scientists.