What is ferromagnetic?
Almost everyone knows magnetism from physics class. Usually magnets are characterized by having two poles. In the case of ferromagnetic materials, however, this is a little different.
When is something ferromagnetic?
- In contrast to permanent magnetic and dimagnetic materials, ferromagnetic materials rarely have permanent magnetic properties. In addition, the ferromagnetic materials have no fixed plus and minus poles.
- Ferromagnetism is a property that is caused by external magnetic fields. The material becomes magnetic spontaneously. However, this spontaneous magnetization is then independent of the external magnetic field.
- Ferromagnetic materials have elementary magnets in them. These do not have fixed, but rather movable poles. These poles are activated and aligned by an external magnetic field.
- Since the elementary magnets align themselves with the external magnetic field, an attractive force is created between the magnet and the ferromagnetic material.
- With some materials, a short-term magnetic property occurs, which, depending on the material, can last longer.
Ferritic - meaning explained chemically
You have probably already asked yourself what ferritic substances are and ...
Which materials are ferromagnetic
- Ferromagnetism has its Names from the Latin name for iron (ferrum). This is no coincidence, because the ferromagnetic property can be observed very well in iron. It is the reason that iron is attracted to magnets.
- Certain metals always have ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. Examples are iron, nickel or cobalt. However, other elements can also acquire these properties when the temperature changes. At low temperatures, lanthanoids such as terbium, holium or erbium also become ferromagnetic.
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