4.6.1
Magnetism
Magnetism
Magnetism
Magnetism describes the ability of magnets to attract (pull towards) and repel (push away) other magnets without touching them.


Attraction
Attraction
- Magnets have a north pole (N) and south pole (S).
- If two magnets are close enough to each other, then the south pole of one magnet will attract the north pole of the other magnet.
- This is an example of a non-contact force.


Repulsion
Repulsion
- If one magnet is turned so that both south poles (or both north poles) are close together, then the magnets will repel each other.
- Opposite poles on a magnet attract and like poles on a magnet repel. This is an example of a non-contact force.


The poles of a magnet
The poles of a magnet
- A magnet's poles are where the magnetic forces are strongest.
- A bar magnet that is snapped in half, both halves will have a north and south pole.
Magnetic Materials
Magnetic Materials
Iron, nickel, and cobalt are the only pure metals that can be turned into a magnet. These metals are “ferromagnets”.


Properties of ferromagnets
Properties of ferromagnets
- Ferromagnets, like iron, don’t always act as magnets.
- For example, a normal piece of iron won’t attract (pull) or repel (push) another piece of iron.
- But ferromagnets are attracted to a magnet if they are close enough to the magnet.


Properties of ferromagnets
Properties of ferromagnets
- Ferromagnets can be attracted by a magnet, but can’t be repelled by a magnet.
- Only two magnets can repel each other.
- Non-magnetic materials will never be attracted to magnets.
- Permanent magnets are always magnetic, even when they are not near other magnets.
- They produce their own magnetic field.
1Space, Time & Motion
1.1Motion
1.2Forces
1.3Momentum & Impulse
2The Particulate Nature of Matter
2.1Thermal Concepts
3Wave Behaviour
3.1Oscillations
3.2Travelling Waves
3.3Wave Characteristics
3.4Wave Behaviour
3.5Standing Waves
3.6Simple Harmonic Motion
3.7Single Slit Diffraction
3.8Interference
3.9Doppler Effect
4Fields
4.1Circular Motion
4.2Newton's Law of Gravitation
4.3Fields
4.4Fields at Work
4.5Electric Fields
4.6Magnetic Effect of Electric Currents
4.7Heating Effect of Currents
4.8Electromagnetic Induction
4.9Power Generation & Transmission
5Nuclear & Quantum Physics
5.1Discrete Energy & Radioactivity
5.2Nuclear Reactions
5.3The Interaction of Matter with Radiation
6Measurements
6.1Measurements & Errors
6.2Uncertainties & Errors
6.3Vectors & Scalars
Jump to other topics
1Space, Time & Motion
1.1Motion
1.2Forces
1.3Momentum & Impulse
2The Particulate Nature of Matter
2.1Thermal Concepts
3Wave Behaviour
3.1Oscillations
3.2Travelling Waves
3.3Wave Characteristics
3.4Wave Behaviour
3.5Standing Waves
3.6Simple Harmonic Motion
3.7Single Slit Diffraction
3.8Interference
3.9Doppler Effect
4Fields
4.1Circular Motion
4.2Newton's Law of Gravitation
4.3Fields
4.4Fields at Work
4.5Electric Fields
4.6Magnetic Effect of Electric Currents
4.7Heating Effect of Currents
4.8Electromagnetic Induction
4.9Power Generation & Transmission
5Nuclear & Quantum Physics
5.1Discrete Energy & Radioactivity
5.2Nuclear Reactions
5.3The Interaction of Matter with Radiation
6Measurements
6.1Measurements & Errors
6.2Uncertainties & Errors
6.3Vectors & Scalars
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books