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Colour: black, opaque.

Streak: black.

Lustre: metallic or dull.

Cleavage: none.

Hardness: 5.5-6.5.

Specific Gravity: 5.2.

Its diagnostic feature is that it is highly magnetic.

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Why does hard iron retain magnetism?

Coercivity is the property describing the ability of magnetic material to retain magnetism. Compared to soft iron, hard iron has larger magnetic domains, regions of the crystal where atomic magnetic fields have similar orientation. Materials with fewer, bigger domains within a given volume have higher coercivity than materials with many small domains. Hard iron can still lose its magnetism, as all permanent magnets can be demagnitized if strong enough fields are involved. Soft iron loses magnetism simply by removing it from a magnetic field. Some "rare earth" metal alloys can retain magnetism much better than hard iron, since they can have much larger domains.


Why soft iron is used for making a permanent magnet?

Soft iron is not used for making permanent magnets; instead, it is used as a temporary magnet due to its high magnetic permeability and ability to be easily magnetized/demagnetized. Permanent magnets are typically made from hard magnetic materials like neodymium or ferrite, which can retain their magnetism for a long time.


Is sulfur hard or soft?

Sulfur is a brittle solid at room temperature, so it is not typically classified as either hard or soft. It has a low hardness compared to many metals and minerals, but it is not malleable like softer materials such as wax.


What are the only materials that can become magnetic?

Only materials with magnetic properties, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, can become magnetic. Other materials, such as wood or plastic, do not have the necessary properties to become magnetic.


What are materials attracted by a magnet called?

It is called the magnetic force. This is a force caused by the attraction or repulsion of the magnetic fields of the materials.

Related Questions

What are hard and soft materials?

The magnetic materials which can magnetise and de-magnetise easily are called "soft magnetic materials" example:-ferrites,iron-cobalt alloy. The magnetic materials which cannot magnetise and de-magnetise easily are called "hard magnetic materials" example:-aluminium(al),nickel-cobalt alloy.


What does hard and soft mean in magnetic terms?

In magnetic terms, "hard" and "soft" refer to the magnetic properties of materials. Hard magnetic materials, such as permanent magnets, retain significant magnetization and are difficult to demagnetize, making them suitable for applications requiring stable magnetic fields. In contrast, soft magnetic materials, like iron, can be easily magnetized and demagnetized, allowing them to efficiently conduct magnetic fields and are often used in electromagnetic applications.


What is the difference between hard and soft magnetic materials?

Materials which retain their magnetism and are difficult to demagnetize are called hard magnetic materials. These materials retain their magnetism even after the removal of the applied magnetic field. Hence these materials are used for making permanent magnets. In permanent magnets the movement of the domain wall is prevented. They are prepared by heating the magnetic materials to the required temperature and then quenching them. Impurities increase the strength of hard magnetic materials. Soft magnetic materials are easy to magnetize and demagnetize. These materials are used for making temporary magnets. The domain wall movement is easy. Hence they are easy to magnetize. By annealing the cold worked material, the dislocation density is reduced and the domain wall movement is made easier. Soft magnetic materials should not possess any void and its structure should be homogeneous so that the materials are not affected by impurities.


What is the difference between hard and soft material?

Materials which retain their magnetism and are difficult to demagnetize are called hard magnetic materials. These materials retain their magnetism even after the removal of the applied magnetic field. Hence these materials are used for making permanent magnets. In permanent magnets the movement of the domain wall is prevented. They are prepared by heating the magnetic materials to the required temperature and then quenching them. Impurities increase the strength of hard magnetic materials. Soft magnetic materials are easy to magnetize and demagnetize. These materials are used for making temporary magnets. The domain wall movement is easy. Hence they are easy to magnetize. By annealing the cold worked material, the dislocation density is reduced and the domain wall movement is made easier. Soft magnetic materials should not possess any void and its structure should be homogeneous so that the materials are not affected by impurities.


Can you give me examples of hard and soft irons?

Hard irons, also known as hard magnetic materials, include alloys like alnico and certain steel types, which retain significant magnetization after being subjected to a magnetic field. Soft irons, on the other hand, are materials like pure iron or low-carbon steel that can be easily magnetized and demagnetized, making them ideal for applications such as electromagnets and transformer cores. Their ability to quickly respond to magnetic fields makes soft irons suitable for devices where rapid magnetic changes are necessary.


Are pipe cleaners magnetic?

No, pipe cleaners are not magnetic. They are made of soft, flexible materials like chenille and do not have magnetic properties.


How many is retentivity of soft iron?

Retentivity, or magnetic retentivity, refers to the ability of a material to retain magnetization after an external magnetic field is removed. For soft iron, the retentivity is relatively low compared to hard magnetic materials; it typically measures in the range of a few milliTesla. This property makes soft iron ideal for applications like electromagnets and transformers, where rapid magnetization and demagnetization are required.


What are the differences between soft and hard materials in terms of their properties and applications?

Soft materials are flexible and deform easily under pressure, while hard materials are rigid and do not deform easily. Soft materials are often used for cushioning, insulation, and comfort, while hard materials are used for structural support, cutting tools, and durability.


What are hard and soft magnets?

Hard magnets are those which require a high magnetic field so as to be magnetized. Soft magnets are those which acquire high magnetic flux when a little magnetic force is applied onto them.


What is the difference between soft and hard magnets?

Soft magnets are easily magnetized and demagnetized, while hard magnets retain their magnetism once magnetized. Soft magnets have low coercivity and high permeability, making them suitable for applications like electromagnets. Hard magnets have high coercivity and are used in applications where a strong, lasting magnetic field is needed, such as in permanent magnets.


What has the author Chih-wen Chen written?

Chih-wen Chen has written: 'Magnetism and metallurgy of soft magnetic materials' -- subject(s): Magnetic materials, Magnetism, Physical metallurgy


Why does hard iron retain magnetism?

Coercivity is the property describing the ability of magnetic material to retain magnetism. Compared to soft iron, hard iron has larger magnetic domains, regions of the crystal where atomic magnetic fields have similar orientation. Materials with fewer, bigger domains within a given volume have higher coercivity than materials with many small domains. Hard iron can still lose its magnetism, as all permanent magnets can be demagnitized if strong enough fields are involved. Soft iron loses magnetism simply by removing it from a magnetic field. Some "rare earth" metal alloys can retain magnetism much better than hard iron, since they can have much larger domains.