Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: True
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The Curie temperature Tc is the thermal threshold above which spontaneous magnetization vanishes in ferromagnets. Understanding this transition is fundamental to magnet design, magnetic storage stability, and materials selection under high-temperature conditions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Below Tc, exchange interactions align spins, producing ferromagnetism. Above Tc, thermal agitation overcomes exchange ordering, and the material loses spontaneous magnetization. The magnetic response becomes that of a paramagnet: magnetization is induced only by an external field and follows Curie–Weiss behavior χ ≈ C / (T − θ).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify phase: T > Tc implies no spontaneous order.Characterize response: small, positive susceptibility without hysteresis, akin to paramagnets.Conclude: the statement is correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
Magnetization-versus-temperature curves show a sharp drop at Tc; above Tc, M approaches zero at H = 0 and increases linearly with H with small slope.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Diamagnetism is not the typical high-temperature state for ferromagnets. Antiferromagnets have a different ordering temperature (Néel temperature). Electric fields are not relevant for this magnetic transition.
Common Pitfalls:
Final Answer:
True
Discussion & Comments