What Metals Are Magnetic?
Magnetism is a fundamental property of matter, and metals are no exception. Some metals are magnetic, while others are not. Understanding which metals are magnetic and why is essential in various applications, such as in the design and manufacturing of electrical and electronic devices, motors, generators, and magnetic storage media. Magnetic metals can be divided into two categories: ferromagnetic and paramagnetic. Ferromagnetic metals are those that retain their magnetization even after the removal of an external magnetic field, whereas paramagnetic metals exhibit magnetic properties only in the presence of an external magnetic field. The most commonly known ferromagnetic metal is iron (Fe). However, other ferromagnetic metals include nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and their alloys. These metals have an ordered arrangement of electrons in their atomic structure that results in the alignment of their magnetic moments. This alignment generates a magnetic field that persists even in the absence of an external field, giving the metal its magnetic properties. In contrast, paramagnetic metals include aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), and others. These metals have unpaired electrons in their atomic structure, which can interact with an external magnetic field, resulting in the metal being weakly attracted to the magnet. However, when the external magnetic field is removed, the metal loses its magnetic properties. It is essential to note that not all alloys of magnetic metals retain their magnetic properties. For instance, stainless steel, which is an alloy of iron, nickel, and chromium, has low magnetic permeability and is considered non-magnetic. Understanding the magnetic properties of metals is crucial in various fields of science and technology. Ferromagnetic metals, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys, exhibit permanent magnetic properties, whereas paramagnetic metals, such as aluminum and magnesium, exhibit temporary magnetic properties in the presence of an external magnetic field.