In antiferromagnetism

Options

A. Alignments of magnetic moments is additive
B. Alignments of magnetic moments in one direction is compensated by alignments in the opposite directions
C. Alignments of magnetic moments does not take place
D. Alignments of magnetic moments varies with the nature of the material

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Antiferromagnetism**: Antiferromagnetism is a type of magnetism that occurs in certain materials where the magnetic moments of atoms or ions align in opposite directions. This alignment results in the cancellation of the overall magnetic moment.

**Hint**: Remember that antiferromagnetism involves opposing magnetic moments.

2. **Arrangement of Magnetic Domains**: In antiferromagnetic materials, the magnetic domains are arranged such that the magnetic moments of adjacent domains point in opposite directions. This arrangement leads to a net magnetic moment of zero.

**Hint**: Think of how the arrangement of arrows (representing magnetic moments) can lead to cancellation.

3. **Non-Additive Nature of Magnetic Moments**: Since the magnetic moments in antiferromagnetic materials are aligned in opposite directions, they do not add up. Instead, they cancel each other out, resulting in no net magnetization.

**Hint**: Consider how vectors can cancel each other out when they point in opposite directions.

4. **Compensation of Magnetic Moments**: The alignment of magnetic moments in one direction is compensated by the alignment in the opposite direction. This means that for every magnetic moment pointing in one direction, there is an equal magnetic moment pointing in the opposite direction.

**Hint**: Visualize this as a balance where one side's weight is countered by the other side.

5. **Conclusion**: The overall effect of these opposing magnetic moments in antiferromagnetic materials is that they exhibit no net magnetization, which is a key characteristic of antiferromagnetism.

**Hint**: Summarize the key points: opposing moments, cancellation, and zero net magnetization.

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