Chapter 36, Problem 23A

Since every iron atom is a tiny magnet, why aren’t all iron materials themselves magnets?

To determine

To Explain: Every iron atom is magnetic, but all iron materials are not.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A material that produces a magnetic field is said to be a magnet. And the magnetic materials are those which can be magnetized.

Since every iron atom is a tiny magnet because in case of iron most of the electrons spin in the same direction. But these tiny magnets are independent of each other. In case of an iron piece, the atoms are not arranged in proper alignment and hence, cancel out the magnetic effect on one another. So, an iron atom is a tiny magnet but not all the iron materials are magnetized.

Conclusion:

Hence, every iron atom is magnetic while all the iron materials are not magnets.