ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Stoner criterion

The Stoner criterion is kind of like a rule that helps us understand how magnets work. It says that if there are certain electrons in a material that like to spin a certain way, and there are enough of them, then the material will end up being magnetic.

Okay, let's break that down. So, we know that everything is made up of tiny things called atoms. Atoms have even tinier things inside them called electrons. Electrons can spin around the atom in different ways, kind of like a top.

When lots of electrons in a material all spin in the same direction, it creates a magnetic field. This is what makes magnets stick to the fridge or can pick up certain metals.

But here's the thing - not all materials are magnetic. That's where the Stoner criterion comes in. It helps us figure out which materials will be magnetic and which won't.

Remember how I said that electrons can spin in different directions? Well, some electrons really like to spin in a certain way, and this can make the material become magnetic. But the Stoner criterion says that there need to be enough of these special electrons in the material for it to be magnetic.

So, if a material has a lot of electrons that really like to spin in the same direction, then it will be magnetic. But if there aren't enough of those special electrons, then the material won't be magnetic.

That's basically what the Stoner criterion is - a way to help us figure out if a material is going to be magnetic based on how its electrons spin. It's a really important rule in science and helps us understand how magnets work!