The two terms ferromagnetic and magnetic are often used interchangeably to describe a material to which the magnet adheres.
However, there is an essential difference between the two:
- If the object to which the magnet adheres is not itself magnetised, it is called ferromagnetic material.
- If the object is itself magnetised and behaves like a magnet, it is called a magnetic material.
Ferromagnetic materials include iron (Fe), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni).
There are also diamagnetic and paramagnetic materials.
- A diamagnetic material does not adhere to the magnet, but is instead very weakly repelled by it. Water, for example, is diamagnetic.
- A paramagnetic material, on the other hand, is slightly attracted to the magnet. Aluminium, for example, is paramagnetic. The magnet attracts it so weakly that one might think that it has no effect on it.
More information on magnets and different metals:
