Thermodynamics - Work done on a paramagnetic material

In summary, thermodynamics involves the study of energy and its transformations within a system. When work is done on a paramagnetic material, its magnetic moments align with the external magnetic field, causing an increase in its internal energy. This process is reversible and follows the principles of thermodynamics, where the work done is equal to the change in internal energy. The magnetization of the material is directly proportional to the work done, making it a useful tool for energy storage and conversion. However, the efficiency of this process is limited by the material's properties and the external magnetic field strength. Overall, understanding the thermodynamics of work done on paramagnetic materials is crucial for various applications in energy generation and storage.
  • #1
Cantique
5
0
What is the work done on a paramagnetic? I have seen both of the following:

[itex]\hat{d}[/itex]w = -MdB
[itex]\hat{d}[/itex]w = -BdM

Where B is magnetic field and M is magnetisation

Am I missing something here or are these two completely opposite? My textbook says that -MdB is the work done but I am sure I have seen articles where they use HdM as the work done. Could somebody clear this up for me?
 
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  • #2
See the paper The Form of Magnetic Work in a Fundamental Thermodynamic Equation for a Paramagnet
Am. J. Phys. 67, 613 (1999).

A copy can also be obtained at http://faculty.luther.edu/~macdonal/ .
 
  • #3
Cantique said:
I have seen articles where they use HdM as the work done. Could

Do you know the relationship between B and H?
 
  • #4
One of the best discussions is given in Landau, Lifshitz, Vol. V, Section 31 and 32.
 
  • #5


The work done on a paramagnetic material is the energy transfer that occurs when the material is placed in a magnetic field. This work can be calculated using the equation \hat{d}w = -MdB, where M is the magnetization of the material and B is the magnetic field. This equation represents the work done on the material as the field changes.

The confusion may arise from the fact that there are two different ways to express the change in magnetization, either as dM or as HdM. Both expressions are valid, but they represent different physical quantities. The first, dM, represents the change in magnetization over a small interval of magnetic field. The second, HdM, represents the product of the magnetic field and the change in magnetization over a larger interval.

In the context of thermodynamics, the work done is typically calculated using the first expression, dM, as it represents the incremental change in the system. However, both expressions can be used depending on the specific problem being studied. It is important to clearly define which expression is being used to avoid confusion.
 

FAQ: Thermodynamics - Work done on a paramagnetic material

What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of energy and its transformations in physical systems.

What is work done on a paramagnetic material?

Work done on a paramagnetic material refers to the energy required to induce a magnetic field in the material or to change the orientation of its magnetic dipoles.

How is work done on a paramagnetic material calculated?

The work done on a paramagnetic material can be calculated using the formula W = -∫H·dM, where W is the work done, H is the magnetic field strength, and dM is the change in magnetization of the material.

What is the significance of work done on a paramagnetic material?

The work done on a paramagnetic material is important in understanding the behavior of these materials in magnetic fields and in the design of devices that use magnetic materials, such as generators and motors.

What factors can affect the work done on a paramagnetic material?

The work done on a paramagnetic material can be influenced by factors such as the strength of the magnetic field, the composition and structure of the material, and the temperature of the system.

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