Rautamagneetti

Rautamagneetti, often translated as iron magnet, refers to a magnet made from iron or an iron alloy. These magnets are a type of permanent magnet, meaning they retain their magnetism after being exposed to a magnetic field. Iron itself is a ferromagnetic material, which allows it to be magnetized. However, pure iron is a soft magnetic material, meaning its magnetism can be easily lost. Therefore, for more permanent and stronger magnetic properties, iron is often alloyed with other elements. Common examples include steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon, and various specialized alloys like Alnico (aluminum, nickel, cobalt, iron) and neodymium magnets (neodymium, iron, boron).

The strength and permanence of a rautamagneetti depend on its composition and how it is manufactured. Soft iron is used in applications where magnetism needs to be switched on and off easily, such as in electromagnets. Hard magnetic materials, often containing iron alloys, are used for permanent magnets found in motors, speakers, and various everyday devices. The ability of iron-based magnets to attract other ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt is a fundamental property utilized in countless technological applications.