Is Magnetic Susceptibility Dependent on Units?

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Magnetic susceptibility (Xm) is indeed constant and independent of the unit system used, but values can appear different due to unit conversions. In cgs units, Xm for oxygen is approximately 10^-4, while in mks units, it is about 10^-8, leading to confusion. This discrepancy arises because magnetization and magnetic field strength are measured differently in SI and Gauss systems, which also have variations. The key to understanding these differences lies in recognizing that the values are equivalent when converted correctly, typically involving a factor of 4π. Clarifying these unit conversions can help resolve the confusion surrounding magnetic susceptibility measurements.
sniffer
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i think magnetic susceptibility xm=M/H is contant and independent of the units we are working with.

in different refferences, they sometimes quote mks or cgs units which gives different value of Xm. It confuses me. Is Xm units dependent?

for example Xm for oxygen is about 10^-4 in cgs units but 10^-8n in mks units. i get very confused.

please help.
 
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The values mean the same. They just differ by constants. Convert the value from one unit system to another and you'll see that.
 
You are not the first, neither you will be the last. The problem is that magnetization and magnetic field may be measured in different units. The relation between magnetization, magnetic field strength, and magnetic field is also different in SI and Gauss system. Moreover, there are two versions of gauss system for electromagnetic units!

Gauss system
Electromagnetic
B=H+4\pi M
Electrostatic
c^2 B=H+4\pi M

SI

B=\mu_0 (H+M)
 
sniffer said:
i get very confused.
You're hardly alone. :smile:

The cgs unit is emu/cc-Oe, the SI unit is A/m-T. The conversion factor, however, should only be 4 \pi.

Can you provide your source ?
 

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