Magnetization is a measure of the density of magnetism and may be calculated from the number of magnetic moments in a given volume. Magnetic moment is a measure of the direction and strength of a magnetic field. Physicists treat magnetic moment as a vector, a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. We can express magnetization in a variety of ways, depending on what we know about the magnetic field.
Describe the magnetic moment mathematically. It can be shown as Nm where N is the quantity of the magnetic moment and m is a unit vector that shows the direction of the magnetism. Magnetic moment is measured in area x current, typically square meters amperes (m^2A).
Define magnetization mathematically. This may be shown as M = Nm/V where M is the magnetization, N is the quantity of the magnetic moment, m is its direction and V is the volume of the sample.
Calculate the magnetism in terms of the magnetic fields. The B-field is the fundamental quantity of a magnetic field and the H-field is a derived field that is defined as H = B/uo -M where uo is the magnetic constant. Therefore, M = B/uo - H.
Define dimagnets and paramagnets. A dimagnet is a magnet that exerts a magnetic field in opposition to an externally applied field and a paramagnet exerts a magnetic field that attracts an externally applied field.
Show the value for M when the relationship between M and H is linear. This is usually the case with dimagnents and paramagnets and may be shown as M = xmH where xm is the volume magnetic susceptibility, the degree to which the magnetization of a material responds to an external magnetic field.
References
About the Author
Allan Robinson has written numerous articles for various health and fitness sites. Robinson also has 15 years of experience as a software engineer and has extensive accreditation in software engineering. He holds a bachelor's degree with majors in biology and mathematics.
Photo Credits
Ryan McVay/Valueline/Getty Images