In our everyday life, it seems that magnetic phenomena are restricted to ferromagnetic materials or electromagnetism caused by electric currents. From a physics point of view, we know that this everyday experience is contrary to the nature of magnetic phenomena. If one regards the magnetic properties of the elements of the periodic table in their natural appearance, there are just a few ferromagnetic (3) but a variety of diamagnetic (34) and paramagnetic (51) substances under standard conditions. Using strong neodymium magnets, it is possible to demonstrate the specific properties of diamagnetism and paramagnetism in the classroom for solids and, unexpectedly, as well for liquids because every piece of matter possesses magnetic properties.
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American Association of Physics Teachers
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