key term - Magnetic Susceptibility

Definition

Magnetic susceptibility is a measure of the degree to which a material can be magnetized in an external magnetic field. It is a fundamental property that describes the magnetic behavior of a substance and its ability to interact with and respond to magnetic fields.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Magnetic susceptibility is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the magnetization of a material to the applied magnetic field.
2. The value of magnetic susceptibility determines whether a material is diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic.
3. Diamagnetic materials have a negative magnetic susceptibility and are slightly repelled by magnetic fields, while paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials have positive magnetic susceptibilities and are attracted to magnetic fields.
4. Ferromagnetic materials, such as iron and nickel, have the highest positive magnetic susceptibilities and can be strongly magnetized, making them useful for applications like permanent magnets and electromagnets.
5. The magnetic susceptibility of a material can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the strength of the applied magnetic field.

Review Questions

• Explain how the value of magnetic susceptibility determines the magnetic behavior of a material.
  • The value of a material's magnetic susceptibility determines its magnetic behavior. Materials with a negative magnetic susceptibility are diamagnetic, meaning they are slightly repelled by magnetic fields. Materials with a small, positive magnetic susceptibility are paramagnetic, meaning they are slightly attracted to magnetic fields. Materials with a large, positive magnetic susceptibility are ferromagnetic, meaning they can be strongly magnetized and attracted to magnetic fields. The magnitude of the magnetic susceptibility directly correlates with the material's ability to interact with and respond to external magnetic fields.
• Describe the relationship between magnetic susceptibility and the types of magnetism (diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism).
  • Magnetic susceptibility is the fundamental property that categorizes materials into different types of magnetism. Diamagnetic materials have a negative magnetic susceptibility, meaning they are slightly repelled by magnetic fields. Paramagnetic materials have a small, positive magnetic susceptibility, causing them to be slightly attracted to magnetic fields. Ferromagnetic materials have a large, positive magnetic susceptibility, allowing them to be strongly magnetized and attracted to magnetic fields. The value of a material's magnetic susceptibility determines its specific magnetic behavior and classification as diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic.
• Evaluate how factors such as temperature, pressure, and magnetic field strength can influence the magnetic susceptibility of a material and its overall magnetic properties.
  • The magnetic susceptibility of a material can be influenced by various environmental factors. Increases in temperature generally decrease the magnetic susceptibility of ferromagnetic materials, as thermal energy disrupts the alignment of magnetic moments. Increases in pressure can also affect magnetic susceptibility, as it can alter the electronic structure and magnetic interactions within the material. The strength of the applied magnetic field is another important factor, as the magnetic susceptibility may change non-linearly with increasing field strength. Understanding how these factors influence magnetic susceptibility is crucial for predicting and controlling the magnetic properties of materials in various applications, such as the design of electromagnets, permanent magnets, and magnetic sensors.

Related terms

Diamagnetism:

A type of magnetism where the material has a very small, negative magnetic susceptibility, causing it to be slightly repelled by a magnetic field.

Paramagnetism:

A type of magnetism where the material has a small, positive magnetic susceptibility, causing it to be slightly attracted to a magnetic field.

Ferromagnetism:

A type of magnetism where the material has a large, positive magnetic susceptibility, causing it to be strongly attracted to and able to retain a magnetic field.