Magnetism and Matter

Class 12 Physics · Physics Part I · Chapter 5

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Summary

A bar magnet behaves as a magnetic dipole with two poles that cannot be isolated; its field resembles that of a solenoid, and it has a magnetic moment \(\vec{m}\). In a uniform field it experiences a torque \(\vec{\tau}=\vec{m}\times\vec{B}\) and has potential energy \(U=-\vec{m}\cdot\vec{B}\), oscillating like a torsional pendulum. The Earth itself acts as a giant magnet; its field at a place is described by declination, dip (inclination) and the horizontal component. Magnetic properties of materials are captured by the magnetising field \(\vec{H}\), magnetisation \(\vec{M}\), and permeability, with \(\vec{B}=\mu_0(\vec{H}+\vec{M})\) and susceptibility \(\chi=M/H\). Materials are classified as diamagnetic (weakly repelled, \(\chi\) small and negative), paramagnetic (weakly attracted, small positive \(\chi\), obeying Curie's law \(\chi\propto 1/T\)), and ferromagnetic (strongly attracted, large \(\chi\), showing domains and hysteresis). Ferromagnets lose their magnetism above the Curie temperature, becoming paramagnetic. Hysteresis, the lag of magnetisation behind the field, and the area of the loop indicate energy loss, guiding the choice of materials for permanent magnets and electromagnets.

Bar magnet as a dipoleTorque and potential energyEarth's magnetism and its elementsMagnetisation, H and susceptibilityDia-, para- and ferromagnetismHysteresis and magnetic materials

Key terms

Magnetic dipole moment
Strength and orientation of a magnet, \(\vec{m}\); torque \(\vec{\tau}=\vec{m}\times\vec{B}\).
Magnetic declination
Angle between geographic and magnetic meridians at a place.
Angle of dip
Angle the Earth's field makes with the horizontal at a place.
Magnetic susceptibility
Ratio \(\chi=M/H\) measuring how readily a material magnetises.
Curie's law
For paramagnets, magnetisation \(\chi\propto 1/T\); susceptibility falls as temperature rises.
Hysteresis
Lagging of magnetisation behind the magnetising field in ferromagnets.

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Why can isolated magnetic monopoles not be obtained by cutting a magnet?
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