What is the correct order of magnetic strength among the following ele...
Magnetic strength depends on the number of unpaired electrons possessed by the element. Iron, Cobalt, Nickel and Copper have 4, 3, 2 and 1unpaired electron respectively. Hence, the correct order of magnetic strength is: Fe > Co > Ni > Cu.
What is the correct order of magnetic strength among the following ele...
Understanding Magnetic Strength in Elements
The magnetic strength of elements is rooted in their atomic structure, particularly the arrangement of electrons and their spins. Let's explore the magnetic properties of the elements mentioned: Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), and Copper (Cu).
1. Fundamental Magnetic Properties
- Ferromagnetism: This property arises due to unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals of transition metals. Ferromagnetic materials have strong magnetic moments that can align in the same direction.
- Diamagnetism: Elements like Copper (Cu) exhibit a weak repulsion in a magnetic field due to all paired electrons.
2. Ranking the Elements
- Iron (Fe): Known for its strong ferromagnetic properties, Fe has a high number of unpaired electrons, making it the strongest magnet among the four.
- Cobalt (Co): Cobalt is also ferromagnetic and has significant magnetic strength, but it is weaker than iron.
- Nickel (Ni): Nickel is ferromagnetic as well, but it ranks lower than both Fe and Co in magnetic strength, primarily due to fewer unpaired electrons.
- Copper (Cu): As a diamagnetic material, copper does not have unpaired electrons and is not considered magnetic. It ranks the lowest in terms of magnetic strength.
3. Conclusion
The correct order of magnetic strength is:
- Fe > Co > Ni > Cu
This ranking reflects the elements' ability to generate and maintain magnetic fields, with iron being the strongest due to its unpaired electrons, followed by cobalt and nickel, and copper being non-magnetic.