Eh-1 Curie Point of Gadolinium
Aim
To demonstrate the disappearance of ferromagnetism in Gadolinium above a certain temperature called the Curie Point.
Apparatus
- Gadolinium foil
- Rola permanent magnet
- Retort stand
- Desk lamp
Curie Point of Gadolinium Setup.
Description
Gadolinium has a Curie Point temperature of 17°C. At this temperature it loses its ferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic. This is illustrated by suspending a thin sheet of Gadolinium from a retort stand. It is attracted to a permanent magnet. The heat from a 100W light globe is sufficient to raise its temperature above its Curie Point whereupon the strong magnetism of the Gadolinium disappears.