Antiferromagnetism is a phenomenon that occurs in certain materials where the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms or ions align in an alternating pattern, resulting in a net zero magnetic moment. This means that the material does not exhibit any external magnetic field, making it different from ferromagnetic materials that have a net magnetic moment.
Definitions
Antiferromagnetism is defined as a type of magnetism where the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms or ions in a material align in an antiparallel manner, resulting in a net zero magnetic moment. This means that the material does not exhibit any external magnetic field.
Origin
The origin of antiferromagnetism lies in the quantum mechanical interactions between the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms or ions in a material. When the magnetic moments of these atoms or ions align in an antiparallel manner, the material exhibits antiferromagnetic behavior.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antiferromagnetism is defined as “a magnetic state in which the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms or ions are oppositely aligned, resulting in zero net magnetization.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines antiferromagnetism as “a type of magnetism in which the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms or ions are aligned in opposite directions, resulting in a net zero magnetic moment.”
Associations
Antiferromagnetism is associated with certain materials such as manganese oxide, iron oxide, and chromium. It is also associated with certain physical phenomena such as the Néel temperature, which is the temperature at which antiferromagnetic materials undergo a transition to a paramagnetic state.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antiferromagnetism include antiferromagnetic behavior, antiferromagnetic state, and antiferromagnetic ordering.
Antonyms
The antonyms of antiferromagnetism include ferromagnetism, paramagnetism, and diamagnetism.
The same root words
Antiferromagnetism is derived from the words “anti-” meaning opposite and “ferromagnetism” which is a type of magnetism where the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms or ions align in the same direction.
Example Sentences
- The antiferromagnetic behavior of the material was observed at low temperatures.
- The Néel temperature of the antiferromagnetic material was found to be 200 K.
- Antiferromagnetism is different from ferromagnetism in that it does not exhibit a net magnetic moment.