CLASSIFICATION OF MAGNETIC MATERIALS

 CLASSIFICATION OF MAGNETIC MATERIALS

We can classify materials into three categories i.e. diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic. The behavior of these three classes of substances is different in an external magnetic field.

1.    PARAMAGNETIC MATERIAL

In these substances, the orbital and spin axis of the electrons in an atom are so oriented that their field supports each other and the atom behaves like a tiny magnet. These substances are called paramagnetic substances (e.g. aluminum, antimony, etc.) is placed in a magnetic field, the substance is weakly magnetized in the direction of the applied field. Therefore, a paramagnetic substance is weakly attracted by a strong magnet.

 

2.    DIAMAGNETIC MATERIALS

The substances in which the orbits and spin axis of the electron in an atom are so oriented that their field cancels the effect of each other so that their resultant field is zero. Such substances are called diamagnetic materials. When a diamagnetic substance (e.g. copper, zinc, bismuth, etc.) is placed in a magnetic field, the substance is weakly magnetized in a direction opposite to that of the applied field. Therefore, a diamagnetic substance is weakly repelled by a strong magnet.

3.            FERROMAGNETIC MATERIALS

In these types of substances, the individual atoms act like tiny magnets. The interaction between these tiny atomic magnets is so strong that they line up parallel to each other even when no external magnetic field is present. Such substances are called ferromagnetic materials.