What are permanent magnets? What is an efficient way of preparing a permanent magnet? Write two characteristic properties of materials which are required to select them for making permanent magnets.
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Solution
Permanent Magnets: The magnets prepared from ferromagnetic materials that retain their magnetic properties for a long time are called permanent magnets. An efficient way to make a permanent magnet is to place a ferromagnetic rod in a solenoid and pass current. The magnetic field of the solenoid magnetizes the rod. The materials used for permanent magnet must have the following characteristic properties:
(i) High retentivity so that magnet may cause a strong magnetic field.
(ii) High coercivity so that the magnetization is not wiped out by strong external fields, mechanical ill-treatment, and temperature changes. The loss due to hysteresis is immaterial because the magnet in this case is never put to cyclic changes.