Magnetism & Electromagnetism Flashcards
What do magnets produce?
A magnetic field
How many poles do magnets have?
2 North and South
What is a magnetic field?
A region where magnetic materials (e.g. iron) experience a force
What do magnetic field lines do?
Show the size and direction of the magnetic fields, They always point from NORTH –> SOUTH
What is a magnetically soft material?
A material that can become an induced (or temporary) magnet when it is in a magnetic field. It stops acting like a magnet relatively quickly.
What is a magnetically hard material?
A material (e.g. steel) that will remain magnetised until demagnetised. It will attract or repel other magnets.
How can a magnet be demagnetised?
By disrupting the domains by heat or force (beating the magnet)
What is a solenoid
A coil of wire that is part of an electric circuit. While current is flowing the coil has a magnetic field around it. The more coils there are the stronger the magnetic field.
What is an electromagnet?
A solenoid with an iron core (magnetically soft), which only has a magnetic field when the current is flowing.
What is the benefit of having an electromagnet?
Being able to turn the magnet on or off.
What does an electric current in a conductor produce?
A magnetic field.
When might an electromagnet be used in industry?
At a recycling centre to be able to lift and then drop materials - such as old cars.
What is the right-hand grip rule?
Applies to magnetic fields near a straight wire The thumb points in the direction of the current and the fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field lines.
What happens to the magnetic field if the electric current is increased?
It gets STRONGER
What shape is the magnetic field around a straight wire?
concentric circles around the straight wire