Magnetism: Properties, Effects & Uses - 65 Chars

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    Magnetism
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of magnetism, specifically whether magnetism is an inherent property of materials, how it can be altered, and the nature of interactions between magnets and magnetic materials. It includes conceptual inquiries and examples related to the effects of heat on magnetism and the mutual attraction between magnets and ferromagnetic objects.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if magnetism can be considered lost when a magnet is heated and its atomic poles become disordered.
  • Another participant suggests that while heat affects the arrangement of molecules, the molecules retain their magnetic properties, leading to a cancellation of magnetism.
  • There is a query about whether the attraction between a magnet and a magnetic material is mutual or if only the magnet exerts a force on the material.
  • A participant references Curie temperature as relevant to the discussion of magnetism and heat.
  • Newton's third law is mentioned in relation to the mutual nature of magnetic forces.
  • One participant provides an example demonstrating that a piece of steel can exert a force on a magnet, indicating mutual attraction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether heating a magnet results in a complete loss of magnetism, and there is no consensus on the nature of the interaction between magnets and magnetic materials.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of magnetism and the conditions under which it can be altered remain unresolved. The discussion does not clarify the extent to which heat affects magnetism across different materials.

dibilo
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Homework Statement:: Is magnetism a property of materials? Can magnetism be increased, decreased or even completely removed from a material?
Relevant Equations:: Nil

Dear seniors,

This isn't my homework but this simple word "magnetism" has been bothering me for some time.

I know that a magnet can be weakened by hitting and by heating.

I also know that magnetism allows for magnets to interact with ferromagnetic objects as well as other magnets. They are able to do so because at atomic level, the poles are aligned in the same way.

So my question is, when a magnet is being heated and when the poles of the atoms are in disarray, can I say that the magnet has lost its magnetism? Is this an accurate way of saying?

Also, what happens when a magnet attracts a magnetic material?

Does the magnetic material at the same time also exerts magnetic force of attraction on the magnet too?

Thanks a lot!
 
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dibilo said:
So my question is, when a magnet is being heated and when the poles of the atoms are in disarray, can I say that the magnet has lost its magnetism? Is this an accurate way of saying?
Molecules keep their magnetic properties even in heated condition. Heat disturbs arrangement of molecules so that cancellation take place and total sum of magnetism is zero.
 
So is it fair to say that heat can cause a magnet to lose its magnetism?

Also for part 2 of my question, when a magnet interacts magnetic material, eg a piece of iron, is the attraction mutual or is it only the magnet exerting magnetic force on the iron?
 
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dibilo said:
Also, what happens when a magnet attracts a magnetic material?

Does the magnetic material at the same time also exerts magnetic force of attraction on the magnet too?
It's easy enough to demonstrate that a piece of steel will exert a force on a magnet. All you have to do is bring the piece of steel close to the magnet and see that the magnet is pulled by the piece of steel.
 
dibilo said:
So is it fair to say that heat can cause a magnet to lose its magnetism?
Here's a neat little demo.

 

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