Magnetic fields, unseen yet powerful, shape our world in incredible ways. Join us on a fascinating journey as we delve into the intriguing realm of magnetic fields, unravelling their charming properties and the intricate processes that create them. From their impact on technology to their influence on living organisms, get ready to be amazed by the wonders of these mysterious forces.

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Magnetism

"Magnetism comes from magnetic fields around magnets"

The fascinating phenomenon of magnetism arises from the presence of magnetic fields surrounding magnets. These magnetic fields have a remarkable ability to influence other magnets and magnetic materials, and we can explore them by observing the effects of the forces they generate.

Magnetic Fields

We can define the magnetic field as:

"The area around a magnet where a force acts on another magnetic or magnetic material is referred to as magnetic field"

Field lines are like invisible arrows that show us the path of a magnetic force. If we imagine a magnet, the field lines start from the north pole and end at the south pole. These lines get weaker as we move farther away from the magnet.

Now, here's a remarkable fact about them. The direction of these field lines is always from the north pole to the south pole, no matter where we are around the magnet. If we have a plotting compass, a small compass that helps us visualize the field, it will point in the direction of the field lines at a specific spot. This means the compass needle will always point away from the north pole and towards the south pole.

So, remember, magnetic field lines are like arrows showing the force of a magnet. They start at the north pole, end at the south pole, and weaken as we move away. With the help of a plotting compass, we can see the direction of the field lines at any given point.

Poles of a Magnet

When it comes to magnets, they possess two distinct poles:

  • The north pole
  • The south pole

These poles are crucial in their magnetic force on other nearby magnets.

It's important to note that the magnetic force exerted by a magnet is strongest in the vicinity of its poles. This means that if we bring another magnet close to the poles of the first magnet, we'll observe a more robust interaction between them.

So, remember that magnets have north and south poles, and the magnetic force they produce is most intense near these poles.

How Magnets Work?
Magnetic Poles - Image Source: Southeastern University

Rules of Magnetism

Let's uncover the rules of magnetism! When it comes to magnets, their interactions can be described in two ways:

  1. Like poles repel each other, if we have two magnets with their north poles (N) or south poles (S) facing each other, they will push away from each other.
  2. Unlike poles attract each other. When a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) of two magnets face each other, they will pull towards each other.

Remember that these magnetic forces are non-contact forces. This means that magnets can affect each other even without physically touching. They have a secret power to influence each other from a distance.

In short, magnets follow these rules: as poles repel, unlike poles attract, they can exert their magnetic forces without touching each other.

Generation of Magnetic Fields

Some materials, like iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt, have a unique ability: they can become magnets themselves. We call these materials "magnetic materials." When we bring a magnet close to them, these magnetic materials are attracted to either pole of the magnet. The generation of magnetic fields is typically explained through two main methods:

  • Permanent magnets
  • Electric currents

Permanent Magnets

Now, let's talk about permanent magnets. These are magnets that are made from magnetic materials like iron. They have some unique features:

  1. They produce their magnetic field: Permanent magnets create a particular invisible force field around them called a magnetic field. It's like they have their little magnetic superpower!
  2. The magnetic field is always there: Unlike temporary magnets that we can turn on and off, permanent magnets always have their magnetic field on. They're like superheroes that don't need to switch their powers on or off.

You might have seen examples of permanent magnets, like bar magnets or horseshoe magnets. These are common types of permanent magnets that demonstrate the power of magnetism.

So, remember, materials like iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic and are attracted to magnets. Permanent magnets are made from these magnetic materials and have a magnetic field that is always present. It's like having a magnet superhero that never loses its power!

Induced Magnets

Unlike permanent magnets that always have their magnetic power, an induced magnet only becomes a magnet when it enters a magnetic field. It's like a magical transformation that happens when it encounters a magnet's influence. However, this magnetism is temporary and quickly fades away once the induced magnet is removed from the magnetic field. It's as if the magic wears off!

Now, take a look at the image with the iron filings. These tiny particles become induced magnets when they come near a bar magnet. They acquire temporary magnetism due to the magnet's presence. However, there are some key traits of induced magnets:

  1. Attraction to other magnets: Induced magnets, including these iron filings, are only attracted to other magnets. They don't push away or repel as some magnets do. It's like they have a one-way attraction!
  2. Loss of magnetism: The induced magnetism in these particles quickly diminishes or completely disappears once they are removed from the magnetic field. The magic that made them magnetic fades away when the magnet is taken away.

So, remember, induced magnets are different from permanent magnets. They only become magnets when exposed to a magnetic field. In the image with iron filings, they acquire magnetism when near a bar magnet. However, this magnetism is temporary, and they lose their magnetic powers when they are no longer under the influence of the magnetic field. It's like a magical transformation that comes and goes!

Permanent and Induced Magnets
Permanent and Induced Magnets - Image Source: Shalom Education

Electric Current

Electric currents are another common source of magnetic fields. When an electric current flows through a wire, it generates a magnetic field around it. The magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire follows the right-hand grip rule, where the thumb points in the current direction, and the curled fingers indicate the direction of the magnetic field.

Properties of Magnetic Fields

  • Magnetic field lines: Magnetic fields have invisible lines called field lines that show the direction of the magnetic field. These lines form closed loops from the north pole to the south pole of a magnet.
  • Field strength: The strength of a magnetic field is indicated by the closeness or density of the field lines. The closer the lines, the stronger the magnetic field.
  • Magnetic field direction: Magnetic field lines always point away from the north pole and toward the south pole of a magnet. This helps us determine the direction of the magnetic field.
  • Magnetic field interactions: When two magnets come near each other, their magnetic fields interact. Like poles (north-north or south-south) repel each other, while unlike poles (north-south or south-north) attract each other.
  • Magnetic fields and electric currents: Electric currents create magnetic fields. When a current flows through a wire, it generates a magnetic field around it. The direction of the area can be determined using the right-hand grip rule.
  • Magnetic field effects on moving charges: A moving charge experiences a force when it moves through a magnetic field. This force is perpendicular to both the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the charge's motion. This effect is known as the magnetic force.

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Emma

Emma

I am passionate about travelling and currently live and work in Paris. I like to spend my time reading, gardening, running, learning languages and exploring new places.