What are the strongest magnets?

Magnets are fascinating objects that have been used by humans for thousands of years. They are essential components in a wide range of technologies and applications, from electric motors and generators to MRI machines and hard disk drives. In this blog, we will explore the different aspects of magnets, including their power, types, materials, fields, poles, interactions, uses, related equipment, and their connection to Earth’s magnetic field.

The strength of a magnet is measured in units of magnetic flux density called Gauss or Tesla. The strongest magnets are known as super magnets, which can generate magnetic fields up to several hundred times stronger than ordinary magnets. The following are some of the strongest magnets available:

Neodymium magnets:

Also known as rare earth magnets, neodymium magnets are the strongest magnets available. They are made of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron and can generate magnetic fields up to 1.4 Tesla.

Samarium Cobalt magnets:

Samarium Cobalt magnets are also a type of rare earth magnet that can generate magnetic fields up to 1.3 Tesla. They are produced from a samarium and cobalt alloy.

Alnico magnets:

An alloy of cobalt, nickel, and aluminum is used to manufacture alnico magnets. They can generate magnetic fields up to 1 Tesla and are known for their high temperature stability.

Ferrite magnets:

Ferrite magnets are made of a ceramic material that contains iron oxide. They are less powerful than neodymium or samarium cobalt magnets, but they are still strong enough to be used in many applications. They can generate magnetic fields up to 0.4 Tesla.

How are magnets made?

Magnets can be made using a variety of methods, depending on the type of magnet required and the intended application. Here are some common methods for making magnets:

Casting:

This method involves melting a magnetic alloy and pouring it into a mold to form a desired shape. Once the material has cooled and solidified, it is removed from the mold and processed to achieve the desired magnetic properties.

Sintering:

Sintering is a process of heating a magnetic powder at a high temperature to form a solid mass. The powder is compressed into a desired shape before being heated. Sintering can be used to create magnets from a variety of magnetic materials, including ferrites and rare earth materials.

Extrusion:

This method involves forcing a magnetic material through a die to create a long, uniform shape. The material is then cut to the desired length and processed to achieve the desired magnetic properties.

Bonding:

Bonding involves using a magnetic powder mixed with a binder material to create a paste that can be molded into a desired shape. The paste is then heated to form a solid mass, which is then processed to achieve the desired magnetic properties.

Injection molding:

This method involves injecting a magnetic powder mixed with a binder material into a mold. The mold is then heated to cure the mixture and form a solid magnet.

Magnetic field definition

What is the magnetic field?

A magnetic field is the area around a magnet where the magnetic force can be detected. Magnetic fields are represented by magnetic field lines that indicate the direction of the force on a magnetic material placed in the field. Magnetic fields are strongest at the poles of the magnet and weaker at the edges.

Direction of the magnetic field

Permanent magnet magnetic field lines run from North pole to South pole. As a result, the magnetic field’s direction is from north pole to south pole.

Direction of the magnetic field in a diagram

Patterns of magnetic field between the poles

Metals that Attract to Magnets:

Ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, are strongly attracted to magnets. Other magnetic materials, such as gadolinium and some rare earth metals, are also attracted to magnets but to a lesser extent.

Do magnets stick to aluminum?

Magnets do not stick to aluminum because aluminum is not a ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, are strongly attracted to magnets. Aluminum is a non-magnetic metal, which means it is not attracted to magnets. However, aluminum is a good conductor of electricity and is often used in combination with magnets in electrical applications. For example, aluminum is used in the construction of the rotor in electric motors, which interact with the magnetic field generated by the stator to produce rotation.

Magnetic Materials:

The most common materials used to make magnets are iron, nickel, and cobalt, and their alloys. These materials have unique magnetic properties that make them ideal for making magnets. Magnets can also be made from ceramic materials, such as ferrite and neodymium iron boron (NdFeB).

Poles of Magnets:

All magnets have two poles: North and South. The North pole of one magnet is attracted to the South pole of another magnet, and vice versa. Like poles repel each other, while opposite poles attract.

Poles of Magnets in a diagram

Interaction between Magnet Poles:

The interaction between two magnet poles is determined by their orientation. When like poles are brought near each other, they repel each other, while opposite poles attract each other. The strength of the attraction or repulsion depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the distance between the poles.

interaction between two magnet poles in a diagram

Magnetic Power:

Magnetism is the force that enables magnets to attract or repel other magnets or magnetic materials. The strength of a magnet’s magnetic field determines its power. The Tesla (T) is the measurement unit for magnetic field strength. Strong magnets can generate magnetic fields up to several Tesla. The strength of a magnet depends on several factors, such as the type of material, shape, size, and the distance between the poles.

Types of Magnets:

There are three types of magnets: permanent, temporary, and electromagnets. Permanent magnets, such as bar magnets and horseshoe magnets, are made of materials that retain their magnetism even when removed from an external magnetic field. Temporary magnets, such as iron and steel, become magnetized when exposed to a magnetic field but lose their magnetism when the field is removed. Electromagnets are made by passing an electric current through a coil of wire wrapped around a ferromagnetic core. The strength of the magnetic field can be controlled by varying the current flowing through the coil.

Refrigerator magnets

Refrigerator magnets are a type of magnet that is designed to stick to the surface of a refrigerator or other metal surface. They are usually made from a magnetic material, such as ferrite or neodymium, that is coated with a decorative or functional material, such as plastic or rubber.

The process for making refrigerator magnets typically involves creating a mold in the desired shape, such as a letter, number, or decorative shape. The magnetic material is then poured into the mold and left to cool and solidify. Once the magnet is removed from the mold, it is coated with a decorative or functional material, which may be printed with a design or message.

Refrigerator magnets can be used for a variety of purposes, including holding up notes or photographs, displaying artwork, or promoting a business or organization. They are a popular and inexpensive way to add personality and functionality to a kitchen or other space with a metal surface.

Use of Magnets:

Magnets are used in many applications, including electric motors, generators, MRI machines, hard disk drives, and speakers. They are also used in everyday items such as refrigerator magnets, door catches, and compasses. Magnets are also used in industries such as mining, aerospace, and automotive.

Use of Magnets in pictures

Magnets Related Equipment:

There are several types of equipment used with magnets, such as magnetometers, which are used to measure magnetic fields. Electromagnets are used in cranes to lift heavy objects, and magnetic separators are used to separate magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones.

Magnetometer picture

Geo Magnetism:

Earth has a magnetic field that acts like a giant magnet, with a North pole and a South pole. We are shielded from cosmic radiation and solar wind by the Earth’s magnetic field.

Because of the extreme temperature at the earth’s core, liquefied metal currents travel around the axis. The earth’s magnetic field is the result of the electric currents generated. When a compass or a magnet is kept close to the earth, its north and south poles are pointed along the earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic north of the earth is the direction in which the north pole of a magnet or compass is retained in that manner.

Difference between the real north and the magnetic north of the earth

North and the magnetic north of the earth There is a slight difference between the earth’s true north and magnetic north. The magnetic north is located a few degrees north west of the true north.

Difference between the real north and the magnetic north of the earth in a diagram

How to store permanent magnets?

A permanent magnet’s magnetic power can be retained for a long time if it is stored in such a way that its magnetic field does not scatter.

Storage of permanent magnets in a diagram

About Author

Anuradhika Lakmali

Anuradhika Lakmali is a co-founder of Science A Plus learning network. She is working as a government teacher and has interest in chemistry, biology, phisics and self development.