Yes, iron is magnetic.
Different things contribute to the magnetic properties of the iron. The key ones include:
- The atomic number of iron is 26. This represents that there are 26 electrons. These electrons feature different levels of energy because of their arrangement around the nucleus. The electron’s behavior within the orbits around the nucleus decides the magnetic properties of the iron.
- The second thing that contributes to the magnetic properties of iron is unpaired electrons. These electrons result in a magnetic moment.
- The third thing that plays a vital role in this regard is the ferromagnetism phenomenon. At room temperature, the iron exhibits this phenomenon. When the magnetic moments align in the same direction, they result in a more vital net magnetic moment.
Impact of Phase Transition on Iron Magnetic Effect
The impact of the transitioning in phase of the iron is enormous on the magnetic properties of the iron.
For instance, at room temperature, the iron exhibits a cubic structure in the crystal lattice. This usually refers to the alpha iron. In this state, the iron possesses more robust magnetic properties. This makes iron suitable for transformers and magnetic applications.
When you increase the temperature, the arrangement of the molecules in the crystal lattice is disturbed.
This is where the iron loses its properties and transforms to paramagnetic. In this state, you can observe some level of magnetism. When you remove the field from the surroundings, this phenomenon disappears.
Factors Affecting Iron Magnetic Properties
There are a number of factors that affect the magnetic properties of the iron. Some of the key elements are:
Temperature
Temperature is a crucial factor in affecting the magnetic properties of the iron. When the temperature increases, the phase changes, and the iron converts from solid to semi-solid. This is what determines if the iron remains magnetic or not.
Impurities
The addition of impurities in smaller amounts can lead you to face the diminished magnetic effect of the iron. In case the pollutants like manganese or carbon are in excess within the iron. This then affects the temperature behavior and iron loses its magnetism.
Magnetic Field
The existence of the magnetic field at an external level also affects the magnetic pattern of the iron. Upon exposure to the magnetism, the magnetic moments of the iron align with the direction of the magnetic field. Even if you remove the external magnetic field, the iron still possesses some magnetic properties.
Remember, iron is also an important element in other magnetic materials. Take for example, the neodymium magnets, whose formula is Nd2Fe14B. You can see iron forms a greater percentage in this composition.
Conclusion
Iron is an important material in the manufacturing of magnetic materials. This is not only due to the magnetic properties, but also due to the desirable properties it offers.
