So, Is Brass a Magnetic Compound? No, brass is not a magnetic compound. Dominant constituents of brass are copper and zinc, which are both non-magnetic. None of these compounds react with moving magnets, and hence their resultant alloy is also not a magnetic compound. It is considered a diamagnetic element.
Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
An object that can produce its own magnetic field is called a magnetic material. Magnetism depends on the motion of electrons and their interaction with each other. The magnetic behavior of materials can be broadly classified into five categories, which are dependent on how the material responds to the magnetic field. The five different types of magnetic materials are: Paramagnetic: These materials are attracted to magnets only to a limited extent, i.e. the attraction of paramagnetic materials to a magnet is not very strong. Their relative permeability is slightly greater than one. For example aluminum, magnesium, etc. Diamagnetic: When a magnet acts repulsively towards a material, then such material is known as diamagnetic material. Their relative permeability is slightly less than one. For example zinc, copper, wood, bismuth, etc. Ferromagnetic: Materials that are strongly drawn towards the magnets are termed as ferromagnetic. Their relative permeability is of the order of several hundred to several thousand. For example iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, etc. Ferrites: Ferrites lie at the intermediate of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials, i.e. they are less strongly attracted in comparison to ferromagnetic materials but more intensely drawn towards magnets as compared to non-ferromagnetic materials.
Soft ferrites – These are made of iron oxide (Fe2O3), with one or more divalent oxides such as MnO, ZnO, or NiO. They are also known as ceramic magnets. Hard ferrites – They are ceramic permanent magnetic materials, such as BaO.Fe2O3 or SrO.Fe2O3.
Magnetism in Brass
Magnetism in any material is created by the mobility of electrons. In common fixed magnets, the alignment of electrons is adjusted so that they can draw ferromagnetic materials towards themselves. Apart from the alignment of electrons, an electric current can also be used to create a magnet. There are several short science experiments that effectively help to create a small magnet and even determine whether or not a given material can be magnetized. One such experiment is performed as described below:
Wrap an iron or a steel nail in a copper wire neatly. Attach the free ends of the wire to the two terminals of a battery. The flow of electrons through the entire circuit will ultimately magnetize the nail (because iron and steel are strong ferromagnetic materials).
In the case of Brass, however, if we perform the same experiment, the brass material will not turn into a magnet. This proves that brass is not a magnetic material. Nevertheless, a slight magnetic field may be observed.
Diamagnetic nature of Brass
Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc, and its diamagnetic nature is also attributed to its component metals. The electron configuration of copper for its valence shell is 3d104s1, while that of the valence shell of zinc is 3d104s2. Both copper and zinc have completely filled the d-orbital, with each electron paired with another electron. As a result, there is a sharing of electron orbital and the net spin in each orbital is zero. This net-zero spin leads to diamagnetism in both the metals-copper and zinc. Now, since brass is made up of copper and zinc and no other major metals or non-metals are present, hence the electronic properties ascribed by the two metals (Cu and Zn) only. As a result, brass also has an electronic arrangement that leads to an overall zero spin, ensuring a diamagnetic confirmation for the alloy – brass.
Why do we observe the magnetic field if brass is not a magnetic material?
In general, Brass shows signs of diamagnetism like its constituents, when placed in a magnetic field. So, two relatively weak magnetic lines of force are developed due to the rotational and revolutionary motion of electrons in the field. The lines of force so established are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. As a result, they cancel out, leaving behind a net zero magnetic force. Permanent magnetic dipoles are absent in such diamagnetic substances. So, we can say that Brass does react with magnets placed around it, because the action of the magnet around brass substances causes an electric field to develop as well, due to the movement of electrons. Although, if removed from this magnetic field, Brass loses all the slight magnetic interactions that it experienced and does not retain any magnetic properties. Conclusively, brass is not a magnetic material because it has no ability to retain any magnetic properties, despite reacting slightly with a magnet. By virtue of its properties, and components, Brass is a perfectly diamagnetic material.
Brass vs Bronze
In appearance to the common eye, Brass and Bronze may give the impression that they are the same. However, they differ from each other on a number of factors, as listed below:
Properties of Brass
Malleability: Brass is more malleable than its components copper and zinc. Density: The density of brass lies between 8.4-8.7 g/cm3 depending on the composition. Melting point: Brass has a relatively low melting point of about 900º- 940ºC. Conductivity: It is a good conductor of heat and electricity. The thermal conductivity of brass is about 150 W/mK, while electrical conductivity is nearly 15.8×106 S/m. It is a low friction metal, thus suitable for uses such as making locks, valves, gears, etc. The color of the compound depends on its composition. As the proportion of zinc increases, the silver-tone and hence the shine of the alloy increases. Recyclability: Since brass is not ferromagnetic, it can be segregated from the scrap waste by using a strong permanent magnet and meritoriously recycled for use. The addition of little amounts of aluminum makes brass corrosion resistant. It even resists galvanic corrosion, due to the absence of a corrosive environment in the mixture. It is a soft metal, which is easy to cast for various applications.
Conclusion
Brass is a well-known and sincerely popular alloy of copper and zinc. It has a great history that dates back to 500 BCE and since then its use and properties have been studied rigorously. The proportion of zinc, copper, and other elements in the alloy and the behavior of brass in the presence of a magnet, lead to the deduction that brass is not a magnetic material. Though it can interact with the magnetic field, it still does not retain any properties on the removal of the field. Various experiments prove that brass cannot be made into a permanent magnet by interaction with electrons or magnetic fields. The various properties of brass make it a suitable alloy for a number of applications such as making decorations, musical instruments, valves, gears, and even fittings around explosives.
