Which of the following elements is highly effective for making a permanent magnet?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Steel.
Steel is commonly used in making permanent magnets because of its ferromagnetic properties. Here are some details:
Composition: Steel is an alloy primarily composed of iron, which is a ferromagnetic material. The addition of carbon and other elements like nickel and chromium can enhance its magnetic properties.
Retentivity: Steel has high retentivity, meaning it can retain a significant amount of magnetization after an external magnetic field is removed. This makes it suitable for creating permanent magnets.
Coercivity: Steel has relatively high coercivity, which means it requires a stronger external magnetic field to demagnetize it. This property helps in maintaining the magnetism over time.
Applications: Permanent magnets made from steel are used in various applications such as electric motors, generators, loudspeakers, and magnetic storage devices.