Magnetic phase above Curie temperature When the temperature of a ferromagnetic material exceeds its Curie temperature, what magnetic behavior does it exhibit?

Electronics and Communication Engineering Materials and Components Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    becomes a paramagnetic material
  • B
    becomes a very strong ferromagnetic material
  • C
    becomes a diamagnetic material
  • D
    none of the above
  • E
    becomes an antiferromagnetic material

Answer

Correct Answer: becomes a paramagnetic material

Explanation

Introduction / Context:The Curie temperature marks a phase transition in ferromagnets where spontaneous magnetization vanishes due to thermal agitation overpowering exchange interactions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Material is a ferromagnet below Curie temperature.
  • No structural phase changes complicating magnetism.

Concept / Approach:Below Curie temperature, spins align spontaneously, yielding strong magnetization. Above it, long-range order is destroyed and the material behaves as a paramagnet obeying Curie–Weiss law with χ ∝ 1/(T − θ).

Step-by-Step Solution:Increase T beyond Curie temperature.Spontaneous magnetization M_s → 0.Response to applied field becomes paramagnetic.Thus, choose “becomes a paramagnetic material”.

Verification / Alternative check:Magnetization–temperature curves for iron or nickel show sharp drop at Curie point, followed by weak paramagnetic behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Ferromagnetism does not strengthen with heat; diamagnetism is weak and not the generic high-temperature phase; “none” and “antiferromagnetic” do not match the established transition.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing Néel temperature (antiferromagnets) with Curie temperature (ferromagnets).

Final Answer:becomes a paramagnetic material

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