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Magnetic materials
Intermediate
Diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviour.
Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled, paramagnetic weakly attracted, ferromagnetic strongly attracted and keep magnetisation. Classified by magnetic susceptibility.
Water diamagnetic, aluminium paramagnetic, iron ferromagnetic.
Strong magnets also levitate frogs via diamagnetism.
In more detail
Materials respond to magnetic fields in different ways. Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled, paramagnetic ones are weakly attracted, and ferromagnetic ones are strongly attracted and can retain magnetism.
Real-world uses
- Magnetic shielding uses high-permeability materials.
- Diamagnetic levitation demonstrates weak repulsion.
- Materials scientists classify materials as diamagnetic, paramagnetic or ferromagnetic when designing magnetic shielding and storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Are most materials magnetic?
Most are diamagnetic, but the effect is weak and only noticeable in strong fields.
Which metals are ferromagnetic?
Iron, nickel and cobalt, along with some alloys.
What is a diamagnetic material?
One that is weakly repelled by a magnetic field, such as bismuth or water.
Related topics in Magnetism & Induction
Ampere's law · Helmholtz coils · Magnetic dipole moment · Ferromagnetism and domains · Hysteresis · Curie temperature