Magnetism and

Electromagnetism
Introductory slide about magnetism, magnetic fields, and
electromagnetism.
 Introduction to Magnets

Defining magnets Magnetic poles Creating magnets

Magnets are objects that produce magnetic Magnets have north and south magnetic poles. Magnets can be created by rubbing iron on a
fields and attract metals like iron. magnet or running electricity through a coil.

Magnets have properties such as magnetic poles and the ability to attract metals.
Understanding magnets is key to learning about electromagnetism.
 Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields are invisible fields generated by magnetized materials and moving
electric charges. They exert forces on other magnets and moving charges, causing them
to move. The strength and direction of magnetic fields can be visualized using
compasses.
 Interacting Magnetic Fields

Magnetic Field Iron Filings Electromagnet Magnetic Compass Needles Aurora Borealis
Lines Image of iron filings Image depicting how
Levitation Image of aurora borealis,
Image shows magnetic showing the interaction electric current flowing Image demonstrates Image shows multiple caused by the interaction
field lines interacting and merging of magnetic through a wire creates a magnetic levitation as compass needles between the earth's
between two bar magnets fields between two magnetic field that magnets repel and interacting and aligning magnetic field and
placed near each other magnets placed close interacts with and attracts interact to suspend an themselves according to charged particles from the
with their poles facing in together. a nearby iron nail. object in mid-air without nearby magnetic fields. sun.
opposite directions. any support.
 Earth's Magnetic
Field
The Earth's magnetic field is generated by
electric currents in the liquid outer core of the
Earth. The field extends outwards from the
core and acts as a large magnet, with north
and south magnetic poles. The magnetic field
shields the Earth's surface from charged
particles emitted by the sun, known as solar
wind.
 Origin of Earth's Magnetic Field

Introduce Dynamo Discuss Convection Explain Induction Note Field Reversals

Theory Currents Process

Briefly explain that the Earth's
magnetic field is generated by
electric currents produced by the
convection of molten iron in the
outer core.
Explain that convection currents
in the outer core are driven by
heat flow from the inner core,
causing iron to rise, cool, and sink
in a looping motion that generates
electric currents.
Describe how the moving electric
charges induce a magnetic field
through electromagnetic
induction, creating a self-
sustaining dynamo.
Mention that the direction of the
magnetic field periodically
reverses, as evidenced in the
geologic record.
 Properties of Magnetic Materials

Type of Magnetic Material Properties

High permeability, can be magnetized to saturation,

Ferromagnetic
exhibits hysteresis

Small positive susceptibility, magnetization

Paramagnetic
proportional to applied field

*Wikipedia
 Electromagnets

• Definition • Affecting Strength

An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic The strength of an electromagnet can be increased by
field is produced by an electric current. increasing the number of loops in the coil, increasing the
current, or using an iron core instead of an air core.
• How it Works
When electric current passes through a coil of wire, it
generates a magnetic field. This makes the coil into an
electromagnet.
 Applications of Electromagnets

Linear Motors and Relays and Switches Magnetic Separation

Actuators Electromagnets are used in relays and Electromagnets are used to separate
Electromagnets are used in linear motors switches. When current flows through the magnetic and non-magnetic metals in
and actuators to generate linear motion electromagnet, it operates the switch. recycling and mining industries.
and force.

MRI Machines Mass Spectrometry Maglev Trains

MRI machines use powerful Electromagnets are used to control and Electromagnets are used to levitate
electromagnets to generate strong direct ion beams in mass spectrometers. maglev trains above the guideway.
magnetic fields required for medical
imaging.
 Number of Coil
Windings

Current in Amps
Strength of
Electromagnets Strength of Magnetic Field

Attractive Force
 Record-Breaking
Electromagnets
The strongest experimental electromagnets have generated magnetic fields
over 100 teslas. The 45-tesla hybrid magnet at the National High Magnetic
Field Laboratory in Florida set the world record in 1999. Even stronger 100+
tesla pulsed magnets have since been demonstrated at the Los Alamos
National Laboratory.