What is the Difference Between Ferromagnetism and Antiferromagnetism?

The main difference between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism lies in the alignment of the atomic dipoles in the materials.

In ferromagnetism:

Magnetic moments align parallel to the applied magnetic field.
The materials have a net magnetic moment.
Ferromagnetic materials are strongly attracted to an external magnetic field.
Examples of ferromagnetic materials include iron, nickel, cobalt, and their metal alloys.

In antiferromagnetism:

Magnetic moments align antiparallel to the applied magnetic field.
The materials have a zero net magnetic moment.
Antiferromagnetic materials do not have spontaneous magnetization.
Examples of antiferromagnetic materials include ferrous oxide, nickel oxide, chromium, and manganese fluoride.

In summary, ferromagnetic materials have magnetic moments that align parallel to the applied magnetic field, resulting in a positive magnetism and a net magnetic moment. On the other hand, antiferromagnetic materials have magnetic moments that align antiparallel to the applied magnetic field, resulting in zero total magnetism and no net magnetic moment.

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What is the Difference Between Ferromagnetism and Antiferromagnetism?

Comparative Table: Ferromagnetism vs Antiferromagnetism

Here is a table comparing the differences between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism:

Property	Ferromagnetism	Antiferromagnetism
Alignment of Magnetic Moments	Parallel alignment of magnetic moments	Anti-parallel (opposite) alignment of magnetic moments
Net Magnetic Moment	Non-zero net magnetic moment, resulting in strong magnetic properties	Zero net magnetic moment, resulting in weak magnetic properties
Spontaneous Magnetization	Exhibits spontaneous magnetization, retaining a permanent magnetic moment	Lacks spontaneous magnetization, as the aligned spins cancel each other out
Magnetic Domains	Forms magnetic domains with a consistent direction of magnetization	Magnetic domains are aligned in opposite directions
Common Materials	Iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys	Manganese oxide (MnO) and chromium (Cr)
Application Examples	Permanent magnets, electric motors, transformers, and magnetic storage devices	Antiferromagnetic materials have limited applications, but can be used as magnetic reference materials due to their lack of spontaneous magnetization

In summary, ferromagnetism is characterized by the parallel alignment of magnetic moments, resulting in strong magnetic properties and spontaneous magnetization. On the other hand, antiferromagnetism is characterized by the opposite alignment of magnetic moments, resulting in weak magnetic properties and a lack of spontaneous magnetization.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.