Magnetic domains

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A magnetic domain is a region in which the magnetic fields of atoms are grouped together and aligned. Magnetic domains are miniature magnets within a material. In an non-magnetic object, like a piece of metal which has just solidified from a liquid state, the different magnetic domains are pointing in random directions. When the metal becomes magnetized (which is what happens when it is rubbed with a strong magnet) all like magnetic poles are lined up and point in the same direction. The metal becomes a magnet. It becomes demagnetized when its magnetic domains are returned to a random order, for example by heating. A soft ferromagnetic material, is easily magnetized but may not retain its magnetism very long.

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