In an unmagnetized piece of iron, how are the microscopic magnetic domains arranged?
AAll aligned in one direction
BRandomly oriented
CAligned opposite to any applied field
DAbsent entirely
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Randomly oriented
1. Domains are small regions within a ferromagnetic material where atomic magnetic poles are aligned like tiny bar magnets.
2. The text states: "Domains are small and randomly oriented in an unmagnetized ferromagnetic object."
3. When an external field is applied, these domains grow and align, which is what produces net magnetization.
4. So in the unmagnetized state, the domains exist but point in random directions, cancelling out any overall magnetic effect.
_Source: OpenStax Physics Ch 20 "Magnetism", p.673 §20.1 Magnetic Fields, Field Lines, and Force_
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