There are four different types of magnetism that a material can have: superconducting, diamagnetic, paramagnetic and lastly ferromagnetic. Superconducting materials are strongly repelled from permanent magnets. Diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled by permanent magnets. Paramagnetic materials are weakly attracted to permanent magnets. Ferromagnetic materials are strongly attracted to permanent magnets.
Only certain materials at very cold temperatures are superconductors. All materials experience diamagnetism, including skin and flowers. However it is a very weak effect so that we do not notice it in everyday life. Many materials are paramagnetic, such as oxygen and tungsten. But it is a very weak effect so we do not typically notice it. Only a few elements are ferromagnetic, including iron, cobalt and nickel.
Magnetics are used in various applications from industrial to commercial. They are used in credit and debit cards, in television and computers monitors, speakers, headphones and industrial magnetics to life things. Magnetics are also used in Hospitals in magnetic resonance imaging.
© BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com March 19, 2024, 6:07 am ad1c9bdddf