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remanence

magnetism
Also known as: residual flux density, residual flux density, residual induction, retentivity(Show More)

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Remanent magnetism, also known as residual magnetism, refers to the magnetic induction that remains in a substance after the external magnetic influence has been removed. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding permanent magnets, as it represents the residual magnetization left behind.12

In geological contexts, remanent magnetism in rocks provides insights into Earth's magnetic field orientation during their formation, aiding studies of continental drift and polar wandering. This magnetism can be acquired through various processes, including thermo-remanent magnetism (cooling through the Curie point), detrital remanent magnetism (alignment of magnetic grains during deposition), chemical remanent magnetism, and viscous magnetization.3

The concept is closely related to hysteresis, where the magnetization of a ferromagnetic material lags behind changes in the magnetizing field. The remanence is the magnetic flux density that remains when the magnetizing field strength drops to zero.4

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