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Q:
What is the difference between a magnet and a magnetic substance? give examples of each
- Jessica (age 15)
SA
A:
When people say 'magnet' they usually mean something that has a big magnetic field. That requires that the little magnetic domains in the material mostly line up with each other. Any permanent magnet (Alnico, samarium cobalt...) can provide an example.
I guess 'magnetic material' usually means some material with magnetic domains but not necessarily lined up. That would include anything you could make a permanent magnet out of (see above) as well as materials that lose their alignment quickly. Plain iron is a good example.
Mike W.
(published on 05/16/2013)
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