Ferrimagnetism - Part 2 of 2 - Testing for Magnetism

Hematite and magnetite samples are tested for magnetism.

Precipitation reactions are used to produce iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3 called hematite) and mixed iron(II)/iron(III) oxide (Fe3O4 called magnetite). The particles in the slurry of hematite are not attracted to a magnet, but the particles in the slurry of magnetite are.

Discussion: 

Note: the liquids poured into the petri dishes are the suspensions prepared in the associated movie on this topic.

Credits: 
  • Design and Demonstration
    • George Gilbert Denison University, Granville, OH 43023
  • Video
    • Jerrold J. Jacobsen University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Text
    • George Gilbert Denison University, Granville, OH 43023
    • Kelly Houston Jetzer University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
    • David Phillips Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN 47933