Can magnetism be induced in non-magnetic materials?

Yes, magnetism can be induced in non-magnetic materials, specifically in those that are paramagnetic or diamagnetic.

Paramagnetic materials, such as aluminium and platinum, are those that become magnetised in the presence of an external magnetic field. This is because the individual atoms of these materials have unpaired electrons that align with the magnetic field, creating a weak magnetic attraction. However, this induced magnetism is temporary and disappears once the external magnetic field is removed.

Diamagnetic materials, on the other hand, are those that create an induced magnetic field in a direction opposite to an externally applied magnetic field. This is due to the paired electrons in these materials which create tiny current loops that produce magnetic fields opposing the external field. Examples of diamagnetic materials include copper, silver, and gold. Like paramagnetic materials, the induced magnetism in diamagnetic materials is also temporary and disappears once the external magnetic field is removed.

It's important to note that the induced magnetism in both paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials is relatively weak compared to ferromagnetic materials (like iron, nickel, and cobalt), which can be permanently magnetised. The process of inducing magnetism in these materials involves aligning the magnetic domains within the material, creating a strong magnetic field that persists even after the external field is removed.

In summary, while non-magnetic materials cannot be permanently magnetised, they can exhibit temporary magnetism when exposed to an external magnetic field. The strength and direction of this induced magnetism depend on whether the material is paramagnetic or diamagnetic.