Abstract

This chapter discusses the magnetic properties of matter by making qualitative observations of the behavior of various materials placed in a non-uniform magnetic field. These observations allow one to classify the magnetic materials as diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic. Measurements of the magnetic dipole moment of a wide variety of materials lead to a quantitative classification of magnetic materials in terms of the magnetic susceptibility. Diamagnetism is the result of magnetically induced atomic dipoles. Paramagnetism is due to orientation of weakly interacting magnetic moments associated with electron magnetic moments and circulating electron currents. Ferromagnetism results from a very strong mutual interaction between magnetic moments. This interaction produces nearly perfect magnetic alignment in regions called magnetic domains. Permanent ferromagnets are produced by the alignment of magnetic domains. The chapter also presents an overview of the earth's magnetic field, which is similar to that of an elementary magnetic dipole. The earth's magnetic field is believed to be caused by circulating interior electric currents.

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