3.10 Magnetism Flashcards
(167 cards)
What has been the historical significance of magnetism?
Utilised since the invention of the magnetic compass during the Chinese Han dynasty, around 2000 years ago.
List some applications of permanent magnets.
- Motors
- Generators
- Microphones
- Loudspeakers
- Hard drives
- Sensors
- Switches
Who began the discovery of the connection between electricity and magnetism?
Michael Faraday in 1831.
What is the major discipline that emerged from the study of electricity and magnetism?
Electromagnetism.
What is magnetism caused by?
The motion of electric charges.
What is the region in which magnetic effects are observed called?
Magnetic field.
Name three elements that are described as being magnetic.
- Iron
- Nickel
- Cobalt
What happens to items containing magnetic elements when near permanent magnets?
They are attracted and can be magnetised.
Why do the magnetic fields of most elements cancel out?
Due to the many electrons present and their arrangements.
True or False: Each atom of a magnetic element acts like a small, permanent magnet.
True.
Fill in the blank: The understanding of electromagnetism is fundamental to the design and maintenance of _______.
[electrical components and systems].
What is the effect of the particular arrangements of electrons in magnetic elements?
They create a small, residual magnetic effect.
What is the Earth’s magnetic field also known as?
Geo-magnetic Field
How is the Earth’s magnetic field generated?
By a self-exciting dynamo process in the planet’s interior
What generates the magnetic field in the Earth’s outer core?
Electrical currents flowing in slowly moving molten iron
What is the process in the Earth’s outer core likened to?
A naturally occurring electrical generator
What causes the deviation of a compass from true north?
Pockets of magnets (Lodestones) in the crust or rocks
What is the angle called that represents the deviation of the compass from true north?
Declination or magnetic declination
What is a significant problem for aircraft relying on magnetic compasses?
The variation of magnetic declination with geographic location and time
If the Earth is pictured as a permanent magnet, which pole attracts the north pole of a compass?
The south pole of the Earth
What is the north magnetic pole?
The point at which the Earth’s magnetic field lines point vertically downwards
What happens when a permanent magnet is freely suspended?
It comes to rest with one end pointing towards the north pole of the Earth
What is the north-seeking pole of a permanent magnet?
The end that points towards the north pole of the Earth