Definition:
Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled by a magnetic field and have no permanent magnetic moment.
Key Points:
-
No unpaired electrons → net magnetic moment = 0
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Magnetization (MMM) is opposite to applied field HHH
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Magnetic susceptibility (χ\chiχ) is negative
χ<0\chi < 0χ<0
Examples:
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Copper (Cu), Bismuth (Bi), Water (H₂O), Gold (Au)
Behavior in Magnetic Field:
-
Slightly repelled
-
Cannot retain magnetization
Diagram:
H → M ← (opposite direction) 🔹 2️⃣ Paramagnetic Materials
✅ Definition:
Paramagnetic materials are weakly attracted by a magnetic field and do not retain magnetization.
Key Points:
-
Some unpaired electrons → small net magnetic moment
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Magnetization (MMM) aligns with applied field HHH
-
Magnetic susceptibility (χ\chiχ) is positive
χ>0\chi > 0χ>0
Examples:
-
Aluminium (Al), Oxygen (O₂), Magnesium (Mg)
Behavior in Magnetic Field:
-
Weak attraction
-
Cannot retain magnetization once field is removed
Diagram:
H → M → (same direction) 🔹 3️⃣ Ferromagnetic Materials
✅ Definition:
Ferromagnetic materials are strongly attracted by a magnetic field and can retain magnetization.
Key Points:
-
Many unpaired electrons → strong net magnetic moment
-
Domains exist (regions where magnetic moments are aligned)
-
Magnetic susceptibility (χ\chiχ) is very large and positive
χ≫1\chi \gg 1χ≫1
Examples:
-
Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni)
Behavior in Magnetic Field:
-
Strong attraction
-
Can become permanent magnets
🔹 Hysteresis Loop (Ferromagnetic Behavior)
Definition:
A hysteresis loop shows how magnetization MMM lags behind the applied magnetic field HHH.
Key Features:
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Saturation Magnetization (MsM_sMs)
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Maximum magnetization achieved in strong field
-
-
Retentivity (MrM_rMr)
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Magnetization left when H=0H = 0H=0
-
-
Coercivity (HcH_cHc)
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Field required to reduce M=0M = 0M=0
-
-
Loop Shape
-
Shows energy loss in magnetic materials → important in transformers
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Diagram (simplified):
M ↑ /‾‾‾‾‾‾\ | / \ | / \ | / \ |--------------/--------------\------> H | \ / | \ / | \ / | \________/ | -
Area inside the loop = energy loss (hysteresis loss)
🔹 Quick Comparison Table
| Property | Diamagnetic | Paramagnetic | Ferromagnetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic moment | 0 | Small | Large |
| Susceptibility (χ\chiχ) | Negative | Positive, small | Positive, large |
| Retains magnetization? | No | No | Yes |
| Examples | Cu, Bi | Al, O₂ | Fe, Co, Ni |
| Field response | Weakly repelled | Weakly attracted | Strongly attracted |
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