What some smaller magnets have stronger ‘magnetism’ compared to some larger ones?

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I mean WHY

In: Physics

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Because different material is magnetic to a different degree.

The large low strength magnet is often made of powdered iron oxide in some ceramic material to hold it together. They are cheap to make but weak.

The strong magnet is rare-earth magnets that are often made of neodymium that is in a molecule with iron and boron and produces a stronger magnetical field. The material and manufacture cost a lot more so the week magnets are also manufactured.

Neodymium cost around $1 million per tonne compared too iron at around $200 per tonne. Even if the Neodymium magnet only is 20% Neodymium by mass and the rest mostly iron the increased material cost has a large effect on cost.

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