A soft magnet's magnetic field can be broken easily. A hard magnet's magnetic field can not be broken easily.
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Soft magnets are easily magnetized and demagnetized, while hard magnets retain their magnetism once magnetized. Soft magnets have low coercivity and high permeability, making them suitable for applications like electromagnets. Hard magnets have high coercivity and are used in applications where a strong, lasting magnetic field is needed, such as in permanent magnets.
Hard magnetic materials retain their magnetization once magnetized, while soft magnetic materials quickly lose their magnetization once the magnetic field is removed. Hard magnets are used in permanent magnets, while soft magnets are used in transformers and electrical motors.
Soft objects have a low rigidity and can easily change shape when pressure is applied, while hard objects have high rigidity and maintain their shape under pressure. Soft objects often have a smooth surface texture, while hard objects are typically rough or firm to the touch. Examples of soft objects include pillows or sponge, while examples of hard objects include rocks or metal.
Materials which retain their magnetism and are difficult to demagnetize are called hard magnetic materials. These materials retain their magnetism even after the removal of the applied magnetic field. Hence these materials are used for making permanent magnets. In permanent magnets the movement of the domain wall is prevented. They are prepared by heating the magnetic materials to the required temperature and then quenching them. Impurities increase the strength of hard magnetic materials. Soft magnetic materials are easy to magnetize and demagnetize. These materials are used for making temporary magnets. The domain wall movement is easy. Hence they are easy to magnetize. By annealing the cold worked material, the dislocation density is reduced and the domain wall movement is made easier. Soft magnetic materials should not possess any void and its structure should be homogeneous so that the materials are not affected by impurities.
A temporary magnet can be magnetized or demagnetized easily, while a permanent magnet retains its magnetization over a long period of time. Temporary magnets are usually made of soft magnetic materials like iron, while permanent magnets are made of hard magnetic materials like neodymium or ferrite. Temporary magnets require an external magnetic field to maintain their magnetism, whereas permanent magnets do not.
One is temporary, the other is more or less permanent.