Soft and Hard Magnets

Soft and hard magnets are types of magnetic materials distinguished by how easily they can be magnetized and demagnetized. Soft magnets, like iron, can become magnetized quickly but also lose their magnetism easily when the magnetic field is removed. They are used in transformers and electrical cores. Hard magnets, such as permanent magnets, retain their magnetism well and are difficult to demagnetize. They are used in motors, magnetic locks, and other appliances requiring a persistent magnetic field. The key difference lies in their magnetic coercivity—soft magnets have low coercivity, and hard magnets have high coercivity.