Which statement correctly describes what happens to the magnetic domains inside a…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Magnetism and Electromagnetism · Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Problem
Which statement correctly describes what happens to the magnetic domains inside a piece of initially unmagnetized iron when it is first placed in a strong, uniform external magnetic field?
(a) Domains remain randomly oriented, though individual atomic dipoles within them align with the field.
(b) Domains that already point nearly along the field slide and expand until they fill the sample; domains themselves do not rotate.
(c) Domains rotate so that most align roughly parallel to the external field.
(d) Domains rotate so that most align opposite to the external field, minimizing the energy of the system.