The Influence of Temperature on Magnetic Behavior

Temperature can also influence the magnetic characteristics of materials. Recall that raising the temperature of a solid increases the magnitude of the thermal vibrations of atoms. The atomic magnetic moments are free to rotate hence, with rising temperature, the increased thermal motion of the atoms tends to randomize the directions of any moments that may be aligned. 

Antiferromagnetism is also affected by temperature this behavior vanishes at what is called the Neel temperature. At temperatures above this point, antiferromagnetic materials also become paramagnetic. 

Concept Check 20.3 Explain why repeatedly dropping a permanent magnet on the floor causes it to become demagnetized. 

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