magnetic fields

• What is a magnetic field?

  Region around a magnet where force acts
• How do you plot the magnetic field pattern of a magnet?

  Using a compass to draw field lines
• What are the two types of magnets mentioned?

  Permanent and induced magnets
• What is a permanent magnet?

  Always has a magnetic field
• What is an induced magnet?

  Becomes a magnet in a magnetic field
• What are the four types of magnetic materials?

  Iron, steel, cobalt, nickel
• What happens when a magnetic material is placed in a magnetic field?

  It experiences a force of attraction
• How does the strength of a magnetic field change with distance?

  It decreases as distance increases
• Where is the magnetic field strongest in a magnet?

  At the poles of the magnet
• How can you find the direction of a magnetic field?

  Using a magnetic compass
• What does a compass needle indicate when placed near a magnet?

  The direction of the magnetic field
• What is the first step in plotting a magnetic field using a compass?

  Place the compass near the North Pole
• What do you do after marking the compass position?

  Move the compass and draw another cross
• What does it mean when field lines are closer together?

  The magnetic field is stronger
• What does the Earth's magnetic field indicate?

  That the Earth has its own magnetic field
• What causes the Earth's magnetic field?

  The Earth's core
• What happens to a compass needle when held away from magnets?

  It points in the north-south direction
• What are the steps to plot a magnetic field using a compass?

  1. Place the compass near the North Pole of the magnet.
  2. Draw a cross at the North Pole of the compass.
  3. Move the compass so the South Pole is on the cross.
  4. Draw another cross at the North Pole of the compass.
  5. Repeat until the field is fully plotted.
  6. Connect the dots with a line and add arrows.
• What are the characteristics of permanent and induced magnets?

  • Permanent magnets:
  • Always have a magnetic field
  • Induced magnets:
  • Become magnets in a magnetic field
• What are the properties of magnetic materials?

  • Types of magnetic materials:
  • Iron
  • Steel (an alloy of iron)
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
  • Can be permanent or induced magnets
• What is the relationship between distance and magnetic field strength?

  • Magnetic field strength decreases with distance
  • Strongest at the poles of the magnet
• How does a compass work in relation to magnetic fields?

  • Contains a small bar magnet
  • Indicates the direction of the magnetic field
  • Used to plot magnetic field lines