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dustypuss | 17:20 Mon 18th Jul 2011 | Science
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Bar magnet

How long does the magnetism last in a bar magnet before it stops being a magnet !
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When I Googled it was suggested they weaken at about 1% per decade.
I've no reason to doubt it, but ..... can't confirm either.
Rough handling, poor storage and exposure to high temperatures will all increase the rate at which the magnetism is lost.
You need to re-phrase your question, with a normal log. decay curve it will retain some magnetism virtually forever in practical terms. However if you ask 'how long will it take to lose 50% of its magnetism' (ie it's half life) then someone might be able to answer your question. It would depend on many factors as previously mentioned.
A magnet maintains its magnetisation better when the magnetic circuit is comleted. Store two bar magnets end to end or place a piece of steel along it to complete the circuit.
a magnet has a half life of 120 years - ie in 120 years it will have half its magnetism left.
As SparkyMick has said but to continue, after 240 years it would have 25% of its power left and after 360 years 12.5% and so on.
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Thanks to all

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