Chapter 3: Magnetic Field Theory

Magnetic Field
A permanent magnet is a piece of ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel or cobalt) which has properties of
attracting other pieces of these materials.
Ferromagnetic materials that can be attracted/repelled by a magnet or can be magnetized themselves

A permanent magnet has 2 poles ie north seeking pole north pole, N, and the south-seeking end the south pole, S.

The area around a magnet is called the magnetic field and it is in this area that the effects of the magnetic force
produced by the magnet can be detected

The magnetic field lines around a magnet are from the N to the S pole. The closer the magnetic field lines are the
stronger the magnet.
laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion
If unlike poles are adjacent to each other, attraction takes place. Lines of flux are imagined to contract and the
magnets try to pull together. The magnetic field is strongest in between the two magnets, shown by the lines of flux
being close together.

If like poles are adjacent (i.e. two north poles), repulsion occurs, i.e. the two north poles try to push each other
apart, since magnetic flux lines running side by side in the same direction repel.

Electromagnets
These are types of magnets that have a magnetic field produced around them only when an electric current is passed
through them

Applications of permanent and electro-magnets

They are used in:

motors and generators, telephones, relays, loudspeakers, computer hard drives and floppy disks, anti-lock brakes,
cameras, fishing reels, electronic ignition systems, keyboards, t.v. and radio components and in transmission
equipment.
Relay

When the coil is energised the hinged soft iron armature is attracted to the electromagnet and pushes against two
fixed contacts so that they are connected together, thus closing some other electrical circuit.

Electric bell

When the push button is pressed, a current passes through the coil energizing it hence the soft iron armature is
attracted to the electromagnet. The armature also carries a striker which hits the gong.
When the circuit is broken the coil becomes demagnetised and the spring steel strip pulls the armature back to
its original position. The striker will only operate when the push button is operated.

Telephone receiver

It consists of a permanent magnet with coils wound on its poles. A thin, flexible diaphragm of magnetic
material is held in position near to the magnetic poles but not touching them. Variation in current from the
transmitter varies the magnetic field and the diaphragm consequently vibrates. The vibration produces sound
variations corresponding to those transmitted

Magnetic flux and flux density

Magnetic flux
is the amount of magnetic field (or the number of lines of force) produced by a magnetic source. The symbol for magnetic flux is 8
(Greek letter ‘phi’). The unit of magnetic flux is the weber, Wb. One weber equals 1 x 108 magnetic field
lines.
Magnetic flux density
Magnetomotive force and magnetic field strength/intensity

Ampere. (At=ampere-turns)

Magnetic field strength (Intensity)/ (or magnetizing force)

Permeability
Permeability refers to the ability of a magnetic material to concentrate magnetic flux. Any
material that is easily magnetized has high permeability.
Hysteresis and hysteresis loss
Retentivity/remenance/ residual flux density is the amount of flux density that remains when the magnetizing force is
0 A\m.

Coercivity or coercive force is the amount of magnetizing force required to make the flux density be equal to zero.

Arrange the following diagrams from least losses to most

Magnetic field due to an electric current

If a current is now passed through the wire (conductor), a magnetic field is produced around the wire with a particular
direction.
If the current direction is reversed, the direction of the lines of flux is also reversed. The magnetic field disappears
when the current is switched off. The magnetic field is thus produced by the electric current. The magnetic flux
produced has the same properties as the flux produced by a permanent magnet.
If the current is increased the strength of the field increases and, as for the permanent magnet, the field strength
decreases as we move away from the current carrying conductor.

How to determine the direction of magnetic field line

Corkscrew rule
Right hand grip rule
Grip the wire with the right hand, with the thumb pointing along the direction of the current. The other
fingers give the direction of the magnetic field around the wire.

Magnetic field patterns for:

1. A straight conductor

2. Two parallel conductors