Magnets and Magnetic Field

• What is a magnet?

  A magnet is any material or object that produces a magnetic field.
• How do we represent magnetic fields?

  We represent magnetic fields using field lines, which are arrows drawn from the north pole to the south pole.
• What is the significance of the direction of the arrows in field lines?

  The arrows must point out of the north pole and into the south pole.
• What does the density of field lines indicate?

  The density of field lines indicates the relative strength of the magnetic field; closer lines mean a stronger field.
• How can you find the poles of a magnet in real life?

  You can find the poles of a magnet by using a compass, as the needle will align with the magnetic field and point towards the south pole of the magnet.
• What happens when you push the north poles of two magnets together?

  They repel each other, making it hard to squeeze them together.
• What is the effect of flipping one magnet around when two magnets are brought close together?

  If one magnet is flipped around, the opposite poles will attract each other.
• What are the steps to represent magnetic fields using field lines?

  • Draw at least one straight line from the north pole to the south pole.
  • Add a pair of slightly curved lines going into the south pole and coming out of the north pole.
  • Include loops connecting the north and south poles.
  • Ensure arrows point out of the north and into the south.
  • Check the density of lines to indicate field strength.
• How do magnetic fields interact between two magnets?

  • North poles repel each other.
  • Opposite poles (north and south) attract each other.
  • The interaction creates a force of repulsion or attraction based on the orientation of the poles.
• Only metals which can be turned into magnetics:

  • iron
  • cobalt
  • nickel
• induced magnetism - when metals become magnets in a magnetic field
• What can be used to visualize the magnetic effect, as it is invisible:

  • Iron fillings
  • plotting compasses