magnetic fields

• Magnetic field


  A region around a magnet where a force acts on another magnet or on a magnetic material
• Types of magnetic materials

  • Iron
  • Steel (an alloy of iron)
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
• Strength of magnetic field

  Depends on the distance from the magnet
• Magnetic field strength


  Strongest at the poles of the magnet
• Plotting magnetic field pattern of a magnet

  1. Place a 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 and draw another cross at the North Pole

  4. Repeat, connecting the dots to show the magnetic field lines

  5. Indicate the direction of the field lines from North to South Pole
• A magnetic compass contains a small bar magnet
• The Earth has its own magnetic field
• The Earth's magnetic field is due to the Earth's core