Curie temperature

Definition

Curie temperature is the temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties and becomes paramagnetic. This temperature marks a phase transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Curie temperature is specific to each ferromagnetic material.
2. Above the Curie temperature, thermal energy disrupts the alignment of magnetic domains.
3. Common materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt have distinct Curie temperatures: iron at 770°C, nickel at 358°C, and cobalt at 1,115°C.
4. The concept of Curie temperature is named after Pierre Curie, who discovered the phenomenon.
5. Magnetic susceptibility drops sharply as the material transitions from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic states.

Review Questions

• What happens to a ferromagnetic material when it is heated above its Curie temperature?
• How does the magnetic susceptibility of a material change as it crosses its Curie temperature?
• Which scientist is credited with discovering the Curie temperature?

Related terms

Ferromagnetism:

A type of magnetism where materials exhibit strong attraction forces due to aligned magnetic moments in individual atoms.

Paramagnetism:

A form of magnetism whereby certain materials are weakly attracted by an externally applied magnetic field and form induced magnetic fields in the direction of the applied magnetic field.

Magnetic Domain: Regions within a ferromagnetic material where the magnetic moments are aligned uniformly in one direction.