Final answer:
To make a permanent magnet, one would apply a magnetic field to a ferromagnetic material, such as iron or nickel, which allows the domains within the material to align and retain a net magnetic field, making it magnetic even without an external field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the creation of a permanent magnet involves applying a magnetic field to a material that is ferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic materials like iron, cobalt, nickel, and gadolinium have atoms that act like small magnets and can be aligned in domains, creating a net magnetic effect. By aligning these domains, usually through rubbing a magnet along the object in a single direction or applying a magnetic field, the material can retain this magnetic behavior and become a permanent magnet even after the external magnetic field is removed.
Permanent magnets are extremely useful in various applications due to their ability to maintain a magnetic field without the need for a constant external power source. In contrast, electromagnets require an electrical current to maintain their magnetic effects and are often combined with ferromagnetic materials to create strong magnetic effects where high intensity is needed, such as in particle accelerators or when lifting scrap metal. However, these applications may be limited by the resistance of the coil, which can overheat at high currents, or by the properties of superconducting materials, which can be destroyed if the magnetic field is too strong.