Probably, you are wondering whether brass is a magnetic metal or not. Or, you would like to learn more about brass magnetic properties.
Let’s review how brass interacts with magnets.
Brass Magnetism
Brass is not a magnetic metal. Brass is a compound derived from the amalgamation of two non-magnetic elements which are copper and zinc.
Depending on its composition, because some brass may contain trace amounts of iron it may display weak magnetism. This metal is categorized as non-ferrous which means that it can’t be magnetized. It does not contain unpaired electrons but displays diamagnetism when exposed to a magnetic field.
Magnetic Properties of Brass
There are three distinct types of magnetism. Magnetic elements fall in a category known as ferromagnetism. The other two groups are known as paramagnetic materials which display a weak attraction towards a magnetic field which is expressed when its electrons align towards the field.
On the opposite side of the scale are diamagnetic metals that display a weak repulsion when exposed to a magnetic field.
Copper and zinc are both diamagnetic elements which makes brass diamagnetic. It does not have any unpaired electrons as the elements it consists of both have d-orbitals that are filled.
When in the presence of a magnetic field brass generates a weak magnetic field in the opposite direction resulting in a repulsion effect. If brass contains other minute traces of elements and impurities, it may exhibit very weak paramagnetic properties.
Factors that Affect the Magnetic Properties of Brass
There are a few variables that may influence the magnetic properties of brass. These factors include;
- Temperature: Brass diamagnetic properties are largely dependent on temperature. Temperature increase causes a decrease in the limited magnetic ability of brass. Low temperatures will heighten its magnetic ability causing it to display paramagnetism.
- Composition: Brass is a fusion of two diamagnetic elements, copper and zinc which makes it diamagnetic. However, if there are any other minute elements found or impurities brass can display some paramagnetic tendencies.
- Formation Processes: Manufacturing procedures such as heat treatment can influence the composition of the brass changing its magnetic properties.
- External magnetic field; When in the presence of a strong magnetic field brass may temporarily display magnetic properties.
Testing Magnetic Properties of Brass
Several methods can be used to test out the magnetic properties of brass.
Visual Inspection
A visual test involves simply observing the reaction of the metal in the presence of a magnetic field. Because of the presence of trace elements found in brass, the most typical reaction to a strong field is a subtle movement toward the magnet. A lack of reaction to a magnet is also another identifying reaction.
Magnetic Susceptibility Measurement
Magnetic susceptibility is another means of measuring an element’s magnetic properties. When exposed to low temperatures brass displays paramagnetic properties. The acquired properties do not follow the Curie-Weiss law which determines the magnetic susceptibility of an element.
Reaction round magnets
When exposed to a strong field brass becomes temporarily magnetized as its atoms align toward a strong field.
Temperature Dependence
Brass’ magnetic properties are easily influenced by temperature, an increase in temperature decreases its magnetic properties while low temperatures increase its magnetic properties making it display paramagnetic.
Conclusion
Brass is not magnetic, due to a lack of unpaired electrons which typically defines ferromagnetic elements. It can, however, temporarily display some magnetic properties when exposed to strong magnetic fields or low temperatures.