Magnets Flashcards
Learn the scientific language in the Magnets topic
Attraction
A pulling force
Attraction occurs when opposite poles of two magnets interact.
Electromagnet
An object that is magnetized when electricity flows through it
A copper wire and iron nail can be turned into an electromagnet by connecting them to a battery.
Electromagnetism
The interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents
Electric currents produce magnetic fields. Moving magnetic fields can produce electric currents.
Field Line
A representation of magnetic forces around a magnet
When field lines are close together they indicate an area of strong magnetic force.
Magnetic
Attracted by a magnet
Magnetic substances include iron, nickel and cobalt.
Magnetic Domain
A tiny region with magnetic poles inside a magnetic material
Magnetic substances like iron, nickel and cobalt have magnetic domains and can be magnetized.
Magnetic Field
field
The space around a magnet where magnetic forces can occur
The magnetic field is strongest near the magnet and especially near its poles.
Magnetism
A force exerted on some metals, such as iron and nickel
Magnetism is a fundamental type of non-contact force that can be either attractive or repulsive.
Magnetized
Behaving like a magnet
When most of the magnetic domains in a magnetic material line up, it is magnetized.
Non Contact Force
Any force that can occur even when two objects are not touching
Gravity and magnetism are examples of non-contact forces.
Non magnetic
Not attracted by a magnet
Non-magnetic substances include aluminium, wood, plastic and your skin.
North Pole
The end of a magnet that will repel a north pole
A compass needle always points away from a magnet’s north pole.
Permanent Magnet
An object that stays magnetized for a long time
Bar and horseshoe magnets are permanent magnets made from steel.
Repulsion
A pushing force
Repulsion occurs when like poles of two magnets interact.
South Pole
The end of a magnet that will attract a north pole
A compass needle always points towards a magnet’s south pole.
Temporary Magnet
An object that stays magnetized for a limited time
When iron pins are attracted to a magnet they become temporary magnets and pick up other pins.
Unmagnetized
Not behaving like a magnet
When the magnetic domains in a magnetic material are not lined up, it is unmagnetized.
