Which of the following ferromagnetic materials has the highest Curie Temperature?

The correct answer is Cobalt.

Key Points

• Cobalt has the highest Curie temperature among common ferromagnetic materials, which is approximately 1394°C (2541°F).
• The Curie temperature is the temperature above which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties.
• This high Curie temperature makes cobalt suitable for high-temperature applications where magnetic properties are required.
• Cobalt's high Curie temperature is a result of its strong exchange interaction between adjacent atoms.

Additional Information

• Curie Temperature:
  • Named after Pierre Curie, the Curie temperature is the point at which certain materials lose their permanent magnetic properties.
  • At temperatures above the Curie temperature, ferromagnetic materials become paramagnetic.
• Ferromagnetism:
  • Ferromagnetism is a basic mechanism by which certain materials form permanent magnets or are attracted to magnets.
  • Materials like iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys exhibit ferromagnetism.
• Applications of Cobalt:
  • Cobalt is used in the production of high-strength alloys and in magnetic materials due to its high Curie temperature.
  • It is also used in the manufacture of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries.
• Exchange Interaction:
  • The exchange interaction is a quantum mechanical effect responsible for the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials.
  • It is the interaction between the magnetic moments of adjacent atoms in a material.