Introduction to the Theory

of Ferromagnetism

Magnetic properties of matter

Physical quantities characterizing

the magnetic properties of matter.
Classification of materials for their
magnetic properties
Magnetization. Magnetic susceptibility
Magnetization is defined as follows
1 N
M  μn
V n 1

N is the number of atoms (N >> 1), and V is the sample

volume.
Magnetization arises upon application of an external
magnetic field of strength H. Magnetization is linear in
H at small H
M α   χ αβ H β ;  α,β    x, y, z 
β

χαβ is the tensor of magnetic susceptibility.

In isotropic substance, χαβ = χδαβ, so that M  χH

M  χH
Magnetic induction. Magnetic permeability
In the case that M is not linear in H, the differential magnetic
susceptibility is used
M  H 
χH  
H
Magnetic induction
B  H  4πχM  μH

Magnetic permeability
μ  1  4πχ

Magnetic permeability determines what happens with the

external magnetic field inside the substance.
Classification of materials
All materials may be categorized according to their
magnetization in an external magnetic field. Materials can
be magnetic and nonmagnetic.

Examples of nonmagnetic Nonmagnetic

materials: materials
 Wood
M 0
 Rubber
BH
 Various plastics χ 0
 Leather μ 1
 Other natural materials
Diamagnetic materials
Diamagnetic materials create an induced magnetic
field in a direction opposite to an externally applied
magnetic field.

M  H
B H
χ0
μ 1
Some examples:
 Water
 Nitrogen
 Salt
 Gold
 Noble gases
Perfect diamagnetic materials
Superconductors are called the perfect diamagnetic
materials.
Examples of superconductors: mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn).

1
M  H
4π
B0
1
χ
4π
μ0
Paramagnetic materials
Paramagnetic materials can form internal, induced
magnetic field in the direction of the applied external
magnetic field.

M  H
B  H
χ 0
μ 1

Examples of paramagnetic materials:

 Biotite
 Siderite
 Pyrite
Ferromagnetic materials
Ferromagnetic materials exhibit parallel alignment of
magnetic moments resulting in large net magnetization
even in the absence of a magnetic field.

M  0 at H  0
B  4πM
"χ   "
"μ   "

Examples of ferromagnetic materials:

 Iron
 Cobalt
 Nickel
Antiferromagnetic materials.
Ferrimagnetic materials
Antiferromagnetism Ferrimagnetism

Examples: Examples:
 Chromium  Ferrites
 Manganese  Double fluorides (RbNiF3, CsFeF3)
 Rare earth metals  Some sulfides and selenides.
Summary
 In this lesson we have introduced the following
physical quantities: magnetization, magnetic
susceptibility, magnetic induction and magnetic
permeability
 All materials may be categorized according to their
magnetization in an external magnetic field
 Materials can be magnetic and nonmagnetic
 Magnetic materials are divided into five categories:
diamagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials,
ferromagnetic materials, antiferromagnetic
materials and ferrimagnetic materials
 Superconductors are perfect diamagnetic
materials