The discussion centers on the magnetic properties of brass, specifically whether it is magnetic or not. Participants explore various claims regarding the ferromagnetic nature of brass and its separation from ferrous materials, as well as the existence of specific brass alloys that may exhibit slight magnetic properties.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the magnetic properties of brass. There are multiple competing views regarding the nature of brass and its alloys, as well as the implications of its non-ferromagnetic status.
Some statements rely on specific definitions of magnetism and ferromagnetism, and the discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of brass in the presence of magnetic fields. The nuances of different brass alloys and their compositions are also acknowledged but not fully resolved.
iknownth said:"Because brass is not ferromagnetic, it can be separated from ferrous scrap by passing the scrap near a powerful magnet."
This sentence seems contradictory.
Not ferromagnetic but can be separated near a magnet?? What does it mean??
sophiecentaur said:You remove the ferromagnetic and you're left with the brass? Plus the gold, aluminium, tin etc. of course, which gives you a different problem.
iknownth said:"Because brass is not ferromagnetic, it can be separated from ferrous scrap by passing the scrap near a powerful magnet."
This sentence seems contradictory.
Not ferromagnetic but can be separated near a magnet?? What does it mean??
fleebell said:There is a brass alloy that is slightly magnetic. It has 1-2% of iron in it. It used to be used quite often for coating ships bottoms to prevent critters from attaching themselves. As far as I know it's not used anymore.
It won't really stick to a magnet though other than with a real slight attraction. I.E. you can't pick a piece of it up with a magnet. You can hang a small piece of it from a thread and move a good magnet close to it and see movement from it due to the magnetic field but it's very small amount of movement.