Magnetism

What it means

Magnetic behaviour depends on composition and atomic structure. Permanent magnets retain useful magnetisation; soft magnetic materials are designed to magnetise and demagnetise readily. The element named in a magnet is often only part of an alloy or compound. Magnet shape and operating temperature affect the assembly.

Look for it in everyday life.

Many compact headphone drivers use neodymium–iron–boron magnets, not pure neodymium.