What is the difference between hard and soft magnets as covered in class 12 physics ch 5 magnetism and matter?

Hard magnetic materials or hard ferromagnets are ferromagnetic materials that hold their magnetism for an extended length of time. Alnico (an alloy of iron, aluminium, nickel, cobalt, and copper) and naturally occurring lodestone are two hard magnetic minerals. Material for permanent magnets should have a high retentivity and coercivity. Soft magnetic materials or soft ferromagnets are ferromagnetic materials that keep their magnetism as long as the external field exists. Soft ferromagnets are made out of soft iron. Electromagnets are made from this type of material.