Demagnetiseerimine

Demagnetiseerimine, also known as degaussing, is the process of reducing or eliminating a magnetic field. This is typically achieved by exposing a ferromagnetic material to an alternating magnetic field that gradually decreases in strength. As the external magnetic field alternates, the magnetic domains within the material are repeatedly rearranged, eventually aligning in random directions, thus canceling out any net magnetic moment.

The most common method involves passing the object through a coil carrying an alternating current. The strength of the alternating field is usually increased as the object is moved away from the coil, ensuring that the residual magnetism is minimized. Another approach is to use a demagnetizing wand, which is a portable device that generates a strong alternating magnetic field.

Demagnetisation is important in various applications. For instance, it is used to remove residual magnetism from tools and components used in sensitive electronic equipment, such as hard drives and magnetic tapes, to prevent data corruption or malfunction. It can also be applied to cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors to correct color distortion caused by stray magnetic fields. In some cases, demagnetisation is used to prevent accidental triggering of magnetic sensors or to ensure the accurate performance of magnetic measuring instruments. The effectiveness of demagnetisation depends on the material's magnetic properties and the strength and nature of the demagnetising field.