Ferromagnetism and temperature: Does magnetic hysteresis persist at all temperatures in ferromagnetic materials?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: No, above the Curie temperature the material becomes paramagnetic and hysteresis vanishes

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Ferromagnetic materials show domain ordering that produces remanence and coercivity — the ingredients of magnetic hysteresis. Temperature strongly influences this ordering through thermal agitation and exchange interactions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Ferromagnetic solid with a well-defined Curie temperature T_C.
  • Quasi-static magnetization cycles measured below and above T_C.
  • No external mechanical stresses or special anisotropy treatments considered.


Concept / Approach:
Below T_C, exchange coupling aligns spins into domains, yielding non-zero remanent magnetization and coercive field — a hysteresis loop appears when cycling H. Above T_C, thermal energy overcomes exchange alignment; the material becomes paramagnetic with zero remanence and negligible coercivity, so the loop collapses to a reversible line through the origin.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify temperature region: T < T_C → ferromagnetic (domains, hysteresis).Increase temperature: approach T_C → loop shrinks as magnetization decreases.For T ≥ T_C: paramagnetic behavior; no hysteresis loop (no remanence or coercivity).


Verification / Alternative check:

Experimental M–H curves across T_C show the loop area tending to zero at and above T_C.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Saying hysteresis exists at all temperatures contradicts well-established phase behavior.Other distractors are physically nonsensical (e.g., 'below absolute zero').


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing ferromagnetic with ferrimagnetic or antiferromagnetic transitions; each has its own critical temperature but hysteresis still collapses in the paramagnetic state.


Final Answer:

No, above the Curie temperature the material becomes paramagnetic and hysteresis vanishes

More Questions from Materials and Components

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion