Magnetic Field Intensity
Magnetic field intensity, also known as magnetic field strength, is a measure of the concentration of magnetic field lines, or the magnetic flux, in a given area. It's denoted by the symbol 'H' and measured in amperes per meter (A/m). In the context of a hysteresis curve, this value determines how strong an external magnetic field needs to be to magnetize a ferromagnetic material. A higher magnetic field intensity generally leads to a higher degree of magnetization, until the material reaches its saturation point.
Understanding the role of magnetic field intensity is critical when interpreting the hysteresis curve of a ferromagnetic material. In our exercise, a magnetic field intensity of 100,000 A/m is strong enough to saturate the ferromagnetic material, leading to its maximum magnetic flux density, also known as saturation magnetization.
Magnetic Flux Density
Magnetic flux density, represented by the symbol 'B', is a key concept in magnetism, quantifying the amount of magnetic flux per unit area through a section perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. This measure is given in teslas (T) and often visualized in terms of the number of magnetic field lines passing through a given area. The flux density increases with the concentration of field lines within the area.
In a hysteresis loop, magnetic flux density reflects the degree of magnetization of a ferromagnetic material in response to an applied magnetic field intensity. A pivotal point on the hysteresis curve revealed in the aforementioned exercise is the remanence, indicating the residual magnetic flux density when the magnetic field intensity returns to zero after reaching saturation.
Ferromagnetic Material
Ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, and some of their alloys, are known for their high magnetic permeability and the ability to retain significant magnetization. These materials have unpaired electrons that cause their atoms to have their own magnetic moment, leading to strong interactions between neighboring atoms and resulting in spontaneous magnetization.
The behavior of ferromagnetic materials under the influence of external magnetic fields is plotted on the hysteresis curve, which displays the path they follow as they are subjected to varying degrees of magnetic field intensity. Our exercise focuses on how a ferromagnetic material reacts from being demagnetized to reaching full saturation and back again.
Coercivity
Coercivity is a measure of a ferromagnetic material's resistance to becoming demagnetized. It is the intensity of the applied magnetic field that must be reached in the opposite direction in order to reduce the magnetic flux density to zero after the material has been magnetized to saturation. Its units are A/m. High coercivity means a material can maintain its magnetization better in the presence of an opposing magnetic field.
In the given exercise, the coercivity is specified as 50,000 A/m, which represents the strength of the reverse magnetic field needed to 'erase' the material's magnetization, as depicted on the hysteresis curve. This property is extremely relevant for the design and selection of materials for magnetic storage media and permanent magnets.
Remanence
Remanence, also known as residual magnetism, is the amount of magnetization left in a ferromagnetic material after an external magnetic field is removed. It is a point on the hysteresis curve where the magnetic field intensity 'H' is zero, but the magnetic flux density 'B' shows a positive value. In other words, it indicates the material's ability to retain a certain level of magnetization without any external magnetic influence.
In our hysteresis loop exercise, the remanence is given as 1.25 teslas, depicting the magnetic flux density that remains after the external magnetic field strength has been reduced back to zero from the saturation level. Materials with high remanence are ideal for manufacturing permanent magnets.
Saturation Magnetization
Saturation magnetization defines the maximum magnetic flux density that a ferromagnetic material can attain under an external magnetic field. At this point, all magnetic moments within the material are aligned, and any increase in magnetic field intensity will not result in further magnetization. Saturation represents a state of full magnetization for a ferromagnetic material.
The hysteresis loop in our exercise culminates with saturation magnetization, which is reached at a magnetic field intensity of 100,000 A/m, resulting in a magnetic flux density of 1.50 teslas. This parameter is significant for evaluating the maximum capability of a ferromagnetic material to store magnetic energy, critical for designing and optimizing magnetic circuits.