I need some tips about a Gauss measurement

[tempneff]

What can a gaussmeter tell me about a metal? I am just experimenting with various metal disc samples by setting them on the Hall probe of a gaussmeter.

I have the meter zeroed out, then I pace the metal on the probe. The metals all effect the field measurement in different ways, but I don't know the mechanism at work.

I assume that if the metal is at all ferromagnetic then it has its own field?
What about other diamagnetic or parramagnetic.

Does anyone care to give me the 9th grade explanation.

 

[Valerie Park]

A gaussmeter can measure the magnetic field around a metal. Ferromagnetic metals, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, generate their own magnetic fields when placed on the Hall probe. These fields are strongest near the surface of the metal and can be detected by the gaussmeter. Other metals, such as copper, aluminum, and zinc, are not ferromagnetic and will not generate a measurable magnetic field when placed on the Hall probe. However, these metals may still have an effect on the magnetic field around them due to the presence of diamagnetic or paramagnetic properties. Diamagnetic materials create a weak magnetic field in opposition to the applied field, while paramagnetic materials create a weak magnetic field in the same direction as the applied field.