Magnetism is a result of the ordered arrangement of small magnetic regions called "domains" within a magnetic material. When the domains become disordered, meaning they are no longer aligned relative to each other, the magnetic material loses its magnetic ability. Heating a magnet is one way to disrupt a magnet's domains and demagnetize a magnet. The temperature at which the domains of magnetic material will become disordered is called its "Curie Point" or "Curie Temperature." Heating a magnet to its Curie Temperature will demagnetize it.
- Butane torch
- Safety goggles
- Heavy leather gloves
- Can of cold water
Show More
Instructions
-
-
1
Place a magnet on a flameproof surface.
-
2
Put on safety goggles and heavy leather gloves.
-
-
3
Light a butane torch and hold the torch's flame to a magnet for three minutes. Magnets are typically made of iron, nickel and/or cobalt. The Curie temperatures for the three metals are 1418, 676 and 2050 degrees Fahrenheit respectively. A butane torch's flame can reach a temperature of up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
4
Remove torch and place magnet in a can of cold water. Cooling the hot magnet quickly will prevent the magnet's domains from realigning via the Earth's magnetic field. The magnet is now demagnetized.