How does magnetic separation work in metal processing?

Magnetic separation in metal processing involves utilizing magnets to attract and isolate magnetic metals from a mixture. This technique is effective for separating ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, from non-magnetic substances. When a mixture containing both types of materials is passed through a magnetic field, the magnetic materials are drawn towards the magnet, allowing for their collection and removal from the rest.

This method is advantageous because it is a physical separation process that does not require additional chemicals or extensive mechanical manipulation, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly. Its applications are prevalent in recycling, mining, and metal recovery operations, where purity of metal separated from contaminants is crucial.

In contrast, the other options describe processes that do not align with the principle of magnetic separation. For instance, using chemicals is a different approach known as chemical processing, while heating metals pertains to thermal treatments, and cutting metals involves mechanical processing. None of these methods focus on the magnetic properties for separation, which is the core principle of magnetic separation.