A FRESHLY DEMAGNETIZED BAR MAGNET IS PLACED IN THE EAST-WEST DIRECTION TO ENSURE THAT

• A. the molecular magnets remain randomly arranged ✓
• B. the molecular magnets are properly aligned
• C. it is affected by the earth’s magnetic field
• D. the magnetic domains are within the earth’s field

In this scenario, when a freshly demagnetized bar magnet is placed in the East-West direction, the purpose is to ensure that the molecular magnets remain randomly arranged. This choice is correct because when a magnet is demagnetized, its magnetic domains lose their alignment, and placing it in the East-West direction helps prevent any external magnetic influence from causing realignment of these domains.

When a bar magnet is demagnetized, its magnetic domains become disordered and random. Placing it in the East-West direction ensures that there are no external magnetic fields influencing the alignment of these domains. This way, the molecular magnets within the material remain randomly arranged, which is essential for keeping the bar magnet in a demagnetized state.

By aligning the bar magnet in the East-West direction, it minimizes any interference from Earth’s magnetic field or other external magnetic influences. This positioning allows the molecular magnets to stay disordered until an external force or field acts upon them to realign the magnetic domains.