Question

What properties of magnetic substances can be explained on the basis of molecular theory?

Answer 1

1. According to James Ewing's molecular theory, magnetic substances are made up of tiny magnets called molecular magnets.
2. These tiny magnets each have a pair of north-south poles which are aligned when an external magnetic field is applied.

The molecular theory explains the following characteristics of magnets:

1. We know that the molecular magnets align themselves in the presence of an external magnetic field, however, they reach a maximum magnetic strength called the saturation point.
2. This happens when all the molecular magnets are aligned, any increase in the external field does not increase the magnetic strength of the magnetic substance.
3. When magnets are cut, they again form magnets as they are made up of tiny magnets.
4. When magnets are mishandled, like hammering the alignments of tiny magnets get disturbed and hence lose their magnetic properties.