Transcript Magnetism
Magnetism What is Magnetism? Magnetism is the attraction of a magnet to another object. What are Magnetic Poles? Magnets have two ends, called magnetic poles. Magnetism is strongest at the poles of a magnet. S N Magnetic Poles Magnetic poles that are alike repel each other. North repels North South repels South Poles that are not alike attract each other North attracts South South attracts North What is a Magnetic Field? The magnetic force exerted in the region around the magnet is the magnetic field. This allows magnets to interact without touching. What are Magnetic Field Lines? Magnetic Field Lines spread out from one pole, curve around the magnet, and return to the other pole. S N What do atoms have to do with it? All atoms have magnetic fields because of the charged particles inside. Most atoms’ magnetic fields point in random directions, so they all cancel each other out. What do atoms have to do with it? In magnetized material, all or most of the magnetic fields are arranged in the same direction. A material that keeps its magnetism is called a permanent magnet. What do Electric Currents have to do with Magnets? An electric current produces a magnetic field. The direction of the current determines the direction of the magnetic field. What are the magnetic properties of the Earth? The Earth has an immense magnetic field around it called the magnetosphere. What is an Electromagnet An Electromagnet is a strong magnet that can be turned on and off. It consists of a currentcarrying wire wrapped around an iron core. Characteristics of Electromagnets Strength depends on the number of coils and the size of the iron core. The greater the number of turns the coil has the stronger the magnet will be. The closer the coils are the stronger the magnet will be. Motors and Generators Electric Motor – a device that changes electric current into mechanical energy. Generator – a device that changes mechanical energy into electrical current.