Magnets and Electromagnetism
Explore magnetic fields and how a current creates a magnet.
Magnetism and electricity are two sides of the same force.
- Describe magnetic poles and fields.
- Explain how an electromagnet works.
- Name uses of electromagnets.
Magnetic Poles
Every magnet has a north and south pole. Like poles repel; unlike poles attract. Magnetic field lines run from north to south outside the magnet.
Electromagnets
A current flowing through a coil creates a magnetic field. Winding the wire around an iron core makes a strong electromagnet. The strength increases with more turns, more current, or a soft iron core.
Uses
Electromagnets power doorbells, cranes that lift scrap metal, loudspeakers, electric motors and MRI machines.
Wrap insulated copper wire around a large nail about 30 times.
Connect the ends to a battery through a switch.
Bring the nail near paper clips — it picks them up while the current flows.
Practice
- State the rule for magnetic attraction and repulsion.
- Name two ways to make an electromagnet stronger.
- Explain why an electromagnet is useful in a scrap-metal crane.
Recap
Moving charge creates magnetism. Electromagnets can be switched on and off, which makes them useful in machines.
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Electricity and Magnetism
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