Bismuth vs aluminum diamagnetism

In summary, the difference in behavior between aluminum and bismuth when interacting with a magnet is due to their different magnetic properties.
  • #1
carmatic
92
1
a few weeks ago i bought a number of pieces of 'bismuth' bullions... i already own a piece of aluminum , as well as a few neodymium magnets

if i place the magnet on the aluminum and tilt the aluminum to make the magnet slide off, it will encounter some opposing force from eddy currents and slide slowly...
but if i try to do the same with my new 'bismuth' pieces, it slides as if there is no magnetic interaction... is this to be expected?

::edit:: mods if this isn't posted in the right forum could it please be moved thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
!!Yes, this is to be expected. Bismuth is a diamagnetic material, meaning that it has a weak repulsive force in the presence of a magnetic field. Because aluminum is a paramagnetic material, meaning it has a weak attractive force when in the presence of a magnetic field, it will generate eddy currents which oppose the motion of the magnet. Bismuth, on the other hand, does not have these eddy currents and therefore does not experience any sort of opposing force from the magnet.
 

Related to Bismuth vs aluminum diamagnetism

1. What is the difference between bismuth and aluminum in terms of diamagnetism?

Bismuth and aluminum are both diamagnetic materials, meaning they have a weak repulsion to magnetic fields. However, bismuth is a stronger diamagnet than aluminum, meaning it has a stronger resistance to magnetic fields.

2. How do bismuth and aluminum exhibit diamagnetism?

Bismuth and aluminum both have completely filled outer electron shells, which causes them to have a weak repulsion to magnetic fields. This is because the electrons in their outer shells are not easily influenced by external magnetic fields.

3. Which material is more commonly used in applications involving diamagnetism?

Bismuth is more commonly used in applications involving diamagnetism due to its stronger diamagnetic properties. It is often used in experiments and demonstrations involving levitation, as its strong diamagnetism can counteract the effects of gravity.

4. Can bismuth and aluminum be used together in applications involving diamagnetism?

Yes, bismuth and aluminum can be used together in applications involving diamagnetism. In fact, combining the two materials can enhance their diamagnetic properties and create even stronger repulsion to magnetic fields.

5. Are there any other materials that exhibit diamagnetism?

Yes, there are several other materials that exhibit diamagnetism, including gold, silver, copper, and zinc. However, these materials typically have weaker diamagnetic properties compared to bismuth and aluminum.

Similar threads

Levitate a magnet in aluminum tube with electro-magnet assist?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
2K
Metals question - melting bismuth onto aluminum
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
3K
B 4 Questions About Lenz's Law Experiment
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
20
Views
4K
Hovering magnet over superconductor/superconductor over magnet
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
2K
What if Gravity could be controlled?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electrical DIY electromagnet vs rare earth magnet?
    • DIY Projects
Replies
12
Views
6K
Schools Active Participation in PhysicsForums May Help With Online Courses
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
1K
Mechanical Engineering (BS) Vs. Pursuing Physics PhD
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
1K
Courses Teaching quality of Coursera math courses after platform re-design?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
1K
Is the Earth Harp real (acoustically)?
    • Earth Sciences
2
Replies
40
Views
45K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top