Re: [Phys-l] magnet keepers

[Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com>]

On 2011, Aug 25, , at 15:39, LaMontagne, Bob wrote:

> It also helps to reduce stray fields around the magnet so mechanical watches and the like don't get ruined.
>
> Bob at PC


Yes;  approximately mentioned -- more accurately to isolate from other ferromagnetic materials to prevent damage.  I've gotten blisters from this.



On 2011, Aug 25, , at 13:58, John Denker wrote:

> If you meant to ask "how is that related to other stuff we 
> know", then the answer is simple:  It lowers the energy of
> the system, making it unconditionally stable, as opposed
> to metastable.
>
> In some cases the metastability is so robust that no keeper 
> is needed, while in other cases the keeper demonstrably helps.
> _______________________________________________


I assume this is related to the coercivity, JD's explanation is too deep for me.

bc has only shallow physics understanding.

p.s. here's the link again -- I ask our leader, D.L. M. to explain how I can link more often successfully, if possible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnet_keeper