METHODS OF DEMAGNETISATION
- Demagnetisation is the process by which a magnet losses its magnetism. The domains get misaligned (disoriented)
- A magnet can undergo self-demagnetization if poorly stored or the process can be influenced externally by giving the dipoles enough energy to overcome the forces holding them in a particular direction.
- Demagnetization can be hastened by any of the following methods;
(a) Hammering
- Hammering a magnet repeatedly while placed in the east- west direction or dropping it violently several times on the hard surface makes it lose most of the magnetism.
(b) Heating
- Heating a magnet until red hot and cooling it suddenly when resting in the east- west direction makes it lose its magnetism.
(c) Electrical method
- Placing a magnet in a solenoid placed in east west direction and passing an alternating current demagnetizes it. This is because alternating current reverses many times per second, disorienting the magnetic dipoles.
