3.4.11

Magnets

Test yourself

Magnets

You have most likely used magnets, sometimes without even realising it.

Illustrative background for PolesIllustrative background for Poles ?? "content

Poles

  • Magnets have two poles which are found at either end of the magnet.
  • The poles are named the South Pole and the North Pole.
  • Opposite poles attract.
  • Like poles repel.
  • Magnetic forces are non-contact forces. Magnets do not have to be touching to pull together.
Illustrative background for Magnetic materialsIllustrative background for Magnetic materials ?? "content

Magnetic materials

  • Not all metals are magnetic.
  • The only magnetic metals are:
    • Nickel – Ni
    • Iron – Fe
    • Cobalt – Co
  • Steel is often magnetic, however steel is a mixture of metals called an alloy. It contains Iron.

Magnets

You have most likely used magnets, sometimes without even realising it.

Illustrative background for PolesIllustrative background for Poles ?? "content

Poles

  • Magnets have two poles which are found at either end of the magnet.
  • The poles are named the South Pole and the North Pole.
  • Opposite poles attract.
  • Like poles repel.
  • Magnetic forces are non-contact forces. Magnets do not have to be touching to pull together.
Illustrative background for Magnetic materialsIllustrative background for Magnetic materials ?? "content

Magnetic materials

  • Not all metals are magnetic.
  • The only magnetic metals are:
    • Nickel – Ni
    • Iron – Fe
    • Cobalt – Co
  • Steel is often magnetic, however steel is a mixture of metals called an alloy. It contains Iron.
Illustrative background for Magnetic fieldsIllustrative background for Magnetic fields ?? "content

Magnetic fields

  • Field lines must be drawn with an arrow pointing from north to south.
  • If the magnetic fields are strongest at either the north or south poles, the field lines will be closer together.
  • If you sprinkle iron filings around a magnet they will form a pattern.
    • This pattern is a magnetic field.
    • You can also see the field lines with plotting compasses.
Illustrative background for ElectromagnetsIllustrative background for Electromagnets ?? "content

Electromagnets

  • When current flows through a wire a magnetic field is also produced around it.
  • The closer to the wire you are the stronger the electromagnetic force.
  • If the current stops, the magnetic field will stop and the electromagnet will turn off.
  • A coil of wire that generates a magnetic field is called a solenoid.
  • You are able to make electromagnets stronger by:
    • Wrapping the coils of wire around an iron core.
    • Increasing the number of turns the coil has.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson