MAGNETISM -Science Checkpoint

Cambridge Lower Secondary (1113)

Every magnet has a NORTH and a SOUTH pole.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Magnetic materials (which are not magnets) will always be attracted to the
magnet no matter which pole is held close to it.
A magnet can only repel another magnet. (this can be used to test for a magnet)

MAGNETIC FIELD

Magnetic Field the region around the magnet where magnetic materials
experience a force
A magnetic field exists around a magnet.
We can find the shape of a magnetic filed using IRON FILINGS.
Steps to do:
1. Place a piece of paper on top of a magnet.
2. Gently sprinkle IRON FILINGS on top of the paper.
3. Tap the paper carefully to allow the IRON FILINGS to settle on the field lines
Another method of plotting magnetic fields is by using a COMPASS.
Steps to do:
1. Place a piece of paper on top of a magnet.
2. Draw a dot at one end of the magnet (near its corner)
3. Place a plotting compass so that one end of the needle points towards the dot.
4. Use a pencil to draw a new dot at the other side of the compass needle.
5. Keep repeating the steps until a chain of dots going from one end of the magnet to the other END.
6. Repeat STEP 2 ,3,4 and 5 several times to create several other magnetic field lines.
The EARTH behaves as a giant bar magnet and is surrounded by a magnetic field that
extends into space.
MAGNETIC MATERIALS

Some metals such as iron, steel, cobalt and nickel are magnetic, they are attracted to a magnet. But
most other metals such as aluminium, copper and gold are not magnetic.
Non metal materials such as plastic, rubber and glass are not attracted to magnet.
Example: The iron is attracted to a U Shaped Horseshoe Magnet

Hard and Soft Materials

• Magnetically soft materials (e.g. Iron):

○ Are easy to magnetise
○ Easily lose their magnetism
○ Suitable for temporary magnets such as electromagnets.

• Magnetically hard materials (e.g. Steel):

○ Are hard to magnetise
○ Retain their magnetism once magnetised.
We can make a magnet by:
INDUCTION

Method stroking magnetic material (e.g. steel bar) with a magnet

repeatedly in the same direction.
We can make MAGNETS by passing a Direct Current through the coil (ELECTROMAGNETS).

The magnetic field around an electromagnet is similar to that around a bar magnet.
We can switch an electromagnet ON and OFF by turning the current on and off