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Curie temperature
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Ferromagnetism disappears above this temperature.
Above T_C thermal agitation destroys ferromagnetic order and the material becomes paramagnetic. Iron 770 °C, nickel 358 °C.
Heating a magnet above T_C demagnetises it.
Cooling in a field restores magnetisation.
In more detail
The Curie temperature is the temperature above which a ferromagnet loses its permanent magnetism and becomes paramagnetic, because thermal motion disrupts the alignment.
Real-world uses
- Magnets are operated below their Curie temperatures to keep their strength.
- Hot-cathode sensors use Curie transitions to detect temperature.
- Engineers designing magnetic recording know that heating a magnet above its Curie temperature destroys its magnetisation.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Curie temperature of iron?
About 770 degrees Celsius.
Can a magnet be restored after heating above Curie?
Yes, if it is cooled in a field, though the domain structure may change.
What is the Curie temperature of iron?
About 770 degrees Celsius, above which iron loses its permanent magnetism.
Related topics in Magnetism & Induction
Magnetic materials · Ferromagnetism and domains · Hysteresis · Electromagnets · Permanent magnets · Magnetic flux