What is the Difference Between Permanent and Temporary Magnets?

The main difference between permanent and temporary magnets lies in their atomic structures and their ability to retain magnetism. Here are the key differences between the two:

Permanent Magnets:

• Made from "hard" magnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.
• Have their atoms aligned all the time, resulting in a strong, persistent magnetic field.
• Retain their magnetism for a long period of time.
• Examples include bar magnets and horseshoe magnets.
• Commonly used in magnetic compasses, magnetic door catches, motors, generators, and loudspeakers.

Temporary Magnets:

• Made from soft magnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.
• Have their atoms aligned only while under the influence of a strong external magnetic field.
• Lose their magnetism as soon as the cause producing it is discontinued.
• Examples include electromagnets.
• Used in cranes to lift massive loads, electric bells, transformers, and circuit breakers.

Permanent magnets are more difficult to magnetize but remain magnetized due to their atomic structure, while temporary magnets lose most of their magnetic properties once the magnetizing cause is discontinued. Temporary magnets can be controlled by switching an electric current on or off, making them suitable for various industrial applications.

Comparative Table: Permanent vs Temporary Magnets

Here is a table comparing the differences between permanent and temporary magnets:

Permanent magnets have their own intrinsic magnetic properties, with atoms aligned in a particular direction, providing magnetic properties indefinitely. In contrast, temporary magnets gain magnetic properties when they are placed in an external magnetic field, and atoms align themselves only while under the influence of a strong external magnetic field. Permanent magnets are typically found in nature, while temporary magnets are mostly synthesized by placing them in strong magnetic fields, a process known as magnetization.