Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store
seo-qna
SearchIcon
banner

What makes some metals magnetic and why are there only a few metal elements attracted to magnets ?

Answer
VerifiedVerified
442.5k+ views
like imagedislike image
Hint: Iron, nickel, cobalt, and certain rare earth metal alloys are magnetic metals. These magnetic metals are classified as follows: Permanent magnets, electromagnets, and neodymium magnets are all forms of magnets. The three most highly attracted metals to magnets are iron, nickel, and cobalt. Superconducting, diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic are the four basic forms of magnetism that a substance may provide.

Complete answer:
The unequal distribution of electrons in the atoms of some metal elements causes magnetism in metals. So we should know that certain metals have a structure that makes it easier for electrons to align and form magnetic fields. The magnetic properties of a metal are entirely determined by the electron configuration in that metal.

There are two groups of electrons in metals, they are: bound and free electrons. Free electrons are the source of conductivity in metals since they are free to pass between atoms. Specific atoms are clinging to the bound electrons. As a result, few metal elements are only attracted to magnets due to their abundance of smaller magnets. Those smaller magnets twist around to align with the larger magnet's field.

The magnetism in most compounds is canceled since equivalent numbers of electrons spin in opposite directions. The majority of electrons in metals like iron, cobalt, and nickel (magnetic metals), spin in the same direction. This is the primary factor we are taking here to analyze magnetism. The movement of electric charges causes magnetism.

Note: Some metals have such a poor paramagnetic reaction to a magnetic field that it is barely visible.The atoms align with a magnetic field, but it is so weak that it is not attracted by a regular magnet. Thus, the second part of the question is evaluated.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
calendar iconAcademic year 2025-26
language iconENGLISH
book iconUnlimited access till final school exam
tick
School Full course for CBSE students
PhysicsPhysics
ChemistryChemistry
MathsMaths
₹41,848 per year
Select and buy