Pure iron is also referred to as soft magnetic iron due to its specific magnetic properties. Here are the reasons:
High Magnetic Permeability
Pure iron exhibits high magnetic permeability, meaning it readily generates a strong induced magnetic field within its interior when subjected to an external magnetic field. This allows it to interact effectively with the external magnetic field.
Low Coercivity
Pure iron possesses low coercivity, which signifies that its magnetism rapidly disappears and returns to a non-magnetic state once the external magnetic field is removed. This characteristic makes it easy to magnetize and demagnetize pure iron.
Classification and Application
Classification: Based on purity, pure iron can be categorized as industrial pure iron (with a purity of 99.6% to 99.8%), high-purity iron (99.90% to 99.95%), and ultra-high-purity iron (99.990% to 99.997%).
Application: Due to its ease of magnetization and demagnetization, soft magnetic iron, including pure iron, is widely used in electrical and electronic equipment, such as electromagnetic components, transformers, relays, and sensors.
In summary, pure iron is called soft magnetic iron because of its high magnetic permeability and low coercivity, which make it easy to magnetize and demagnetize. These properties contribute to its widespread application in the electrical and electronic industries.