Final answer:
True, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory indeed was capable of generating a magnetic field of 85 T, which aligns with the high magnetic field strengths attainable with advanced technology in scientific settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether it is true or false that The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory once held the world record for creating a magnetic field of 85 T (tesla). This statement is True. Historically, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has been at the forefront of developing high-strength magnetic fields, and achieving an 85 T field is within the realm of their capabilities.
To give some context about magnetic fields, the Earth's magnetic field at its surface is only about 5 × 10-5 T, or 0.5 G (gauss). The strongest permanent magnets typically have fields near 2 T, and superconducting electromagnets may attain 10 T or more. Today's technology certainly allows for much higher magnetic field strengths. Thus, creating a magnetic field of 0.500 T using permanent magnets is not only possible but fairly routine in sophisticated laboratory settings.