Physics 2

TOPIC TITLE: Fundamental Nature of Magnetism

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the topic session the students are expected to:

Cognitive:
1. Explain how moving charge generates magnetic f ield.
2. Solve f or the magnetic f ield of dif f erent possible conf igurations
of a conductor.
3. Solve f or the f orce between two parallel currents and
determine whether the f orce is attractive or repulsive.
4. Enumerate the three types of magnetic materials and explain
how they respond to external magnetic f ield.
Affective:
1. Work as a team during laboratory exercise.
Psychomotor:
1. Visualize and sketch magnetic f ields.
2. Use right-hand rule in determining the direction of the magnetic
f ield produced by a current.

MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT:

o topic slides
o OHP
o paper and pen
o whiteboard and whiteboard marker
o scientif ic calculator
o student handout
o globe

TOPIC PREPARATION:

o Examine this instructors guide, the topic slides and the student
handout prior to the lesson. This will give the instructor an idea
on how to deliver the lesson. Some parts might need alteration
depending on the needs of a particular group of students and
the teaching style of instructor.
o Anticipate the questions that the student might ask and be
prepared to answer them.

TOPIC PRESENTATION:

This topic is about the f undamental nature of magnetism. The

sequence of the lecture is as f ollows:

1. Discuss how magnetic f ields are generated by current-carrying

conductors; as a straight wire, as closed-loop and as a solenoid.
Use the f igures in Slides 1 to 4 to aid your discussion.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 1 of 15
 Physics 2

2. Explain how moving charge, and ultimately moving electric f ield,

generates magnetic f ield. Use the f igure in Slide 5 to differentiate
the magnetic f ield generated by positive and negative charges. Use
the f igure in Slide 6 to explain how the electric f ield in a region
varies with the movement of charge.
3. Provide a short explanation on how magnetic f ields are generated
based on Biot-Savart and Amperes Law.
4. If most students already took calculus, the teacher may show how
to derive the equations for f inding the magnetic f ield of diff erent
conf igurations of conductors and have the students practice on
their own how to derive these equations. However, this part is
optional. All quizzes and graded assignments f or the week shall
include only what was discussed in this instructors guide.
5. Present a summary of equations of solving magnetic f ield for
several diff erent conf igurations of conductor. Inform the students
that these equations are the result of applying the calculus of Biot-
Savart and Amperes Law (if the derivations were not shown).
6. Demonstrate how to solve for the magnetic f ield due to current-
carrying conductors using Sample Problems 12.1 and 12.2.
7. Explain how two parallel current-carrying conductors exert f orce to
one another. Demonstrate how to solve for this force using Sample
Problem 12.3.
8. Enumerate and discuss the three types of magnetic materials.

Sample problems are specialized examples to be used in

demonstrating the steps in solving problem or perf orming mathematical
operation on a physical quantity. Sample problems are inserted
throughout the instructors guide f or the purpose of demonstrating the
steps on the white board. Illustrations work in the same way as sample
problems except that they were made to demonstrate a concept rather
than a series of steps.

Problem sets are provided as student hand-out, containing several

problems related to this topic. The instructor may decide which among
these problems s/he would like to use f or any of the f ollowing
purposes:
Additional examples to be solved on the board in case the sample
problems are not enough.
Assignments or homework; the instructor must set-aside some of
the problems to be given as graded assignments.
Seatworks to be answered by students during the class. During
seatwork, students will be given a chance to solve problems under
the guidance of the instructor. The students are f ree to ask the
instructor questions while solving the problem for clarif ication. The
instructor can use the seatworks to determine if the students
indeed understand the concepts being taught or if there is a need
for remedial or clarif ication. The seatworks are part of the teaching
process, and it is highly recommended that these should not be
graded.
Additional examples and seatworks are optional. However, there must
be problems allocated as assignment.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 2 of 15

Conductors with Current,
Page 1 of 18
Cond uc t or s
w i t h Cu r r en t
Electric currents generate magnetic field.
Hans Christian Oersted noticed that electric
currents can influence a compass needle.
Oersted and Andr-Marie Ampre shows that
current carrying wires exert force to one
another.
Straight Conductor
The direction of the magnetic field in a
straight conductor can be determined using
the right-hand rule.
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism
Physics 2
[ See Conductors with Current, Page 1 of 18 ]
Phy s ic s 2
Introduction
In our previous discussion, we learned that magnetic f ield can exert
force on two things, magnets and moving charged particles (whether
isolated or traveling through a conductor). Moreover, a magnetic f ield
can exert only a f orce only when the charge is moving, or when the
magnetic f ield is moving relative to the charge. Magnetic f ield cannot
exert f orce on a stationary charge.
Gravitational f ield can exert f orce only on physical entities with mass
(and theref ore has its own gravitational f ield). Electric f ield can exert
force only on objects or particles with charge (and theref ore has its own
gravitational f ield. Magnetic f ield, on the other hand, can exert f orce on
both magnets and moving charge. Comparing to gravitational and
electric f ields, we can say that magnetic f ield can exert f orce on
magnets because magnets also have their own magnetic f ield, but
what about moving charge?
* Prope rty of STI
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Magnetism Due to Current-carrying Conductors
During the winter of 1819-1820, Hans Christian Oersted noticed that
electric currents can inf luence compass needles. Later on Oersted, as
well as Andr-Marie Ampre, shows that current carrying wires exert
force to one another. Since the wires are electrically neutral at all
points along each of them, this f orce cannot be electric force. These
observation suggests that currents, and therefore the moving charge
itself , generates magnetic f ield.
Straight Conductor
The direction of magnetic f ield in relation to electric current f ollows the
right-hand rule. Meaning, if you grab a straight wire such that your
thumb is resting along the wire and pointing to the direction of the
current (assuming that the current is weak or it is wrapped by
insulator), and your other f ingers are curled around the wire, these
other f ingers indicate the direction of magnetic f ield around the wire.
This right-hand rule is somehow diff erent f rom the one that we
discussed last week because there are only two quantities involved
(even though B is a f orce f ield made of inf initely several vectors).
The f igure below shows the right-hand-rule (left) and the directions of
current i and magnetic f ield B. Notice how the magnetic f ield surrounds
the current carrying conductor.
In the f igure above, the convention that the current is the movement of
positive charge carriers (holes) still holds. The actual movement of
electrons is simply to the opposite direction along the conductor.
*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 3 of 15
 Physics 2

Conductors with Current, [ See Conductors with Current, Page 2 of 18 ]

Page 2 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Single-Loop Conductor
Cond uc t or s
w i t h Cu r r en t The right-hand rule in magnetic f ield generated by a current does not
only apply to straight conductor but also to conductors bend to different
Single-Loop Conductor
shapes. However, you might need to use the right-hand rule t wo or
The conductor may be in the shape of circle,
ellipse or polygon.
more times along the conductor to be able to visualize the magnetic
The magnetic field lines direction must be
according to the right-hand rule with respect to
f ield lines.
the current.
For a single-loop conductor, such as conductors in the shape of circle,
ellipse or polygon, the f ield vectors inside the loop are in the same
direction and the f ield vectors outside the loop are towards the opposite
direction.

The magnetic field vectors at the center of the

loop adds-up as one big magnetic field vector.

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI

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In the f igure above, on the lef t, the right-hand rule was used in
approximating the direction of magnetic f ield lines. On the right, the
magnetic f ield lines at three points along the conductor were shown as
three pairs of concentric circle. Note that there are inf initely many f ield
lines along the conductor and it is best shown with as many concentric
circles evenly distributed along the conductor as possible. The arrows
that run along the conductor show the direction of the current. The big
arrow at the center of the conductor is the resultant of magnetic field
vectors inside the loop. To check if the magnetic f ield lines (concentric
circles) are pointing towards the right direction:
The magnetic f ield lines direction must be according to the right-
hand rule with respect to the current.
The magnetic f ield vectors at the center of the loop must add-up to
one big magnetic f ield vector and must not cancel one another.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 4 of 15
 Physics 2

Conductors with Current, [ See Conductors with Current, Pages 3 and 4 of 18 ]

Page 3 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Solenoid
Cond uc t or s
w i t h Cu r r en t One of the earliest demonstrations taught in school regarding the ability
of electric currents to generate magnetic f ield is that of an
Solenoid
electromagnet made of a copper wire coiled around an iron nail and
Conducting wire coiled in the shape of helix.
Functions like several adjacent single-loop
connected to a dry cell.
conductor.
Similar to the wire coiled around an iron core
(usually a nail) in an electromagnet.

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI

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The main source of the magnetic f ield here is not the nail but the coil of
copper wire that carry electric currents (even though as we will see in
the last section of this topic, iron nail shall be able to produce its own
magnetic f ield by merely being exposed to outside magnetic f ield). A
solenoid is a coiled wire in the shape of a helix that produces (almost)
uniform magnetic field in its interior, just as capacitors produce unif orm
electric f ield. The wire that coils around the nail in the electromagnet
show above is a solenoid. It can still work as a magnet even if the nail
is absent, as long as the wire is coiled.
Conductors with Current,
Page 4 of 18 B
A
Phy s ic s 2

Cond uc t or s
w i t h Cu r r en t
Solenoid C
The magnetic field vectors adds-up at the
center.

B
A

The f igure above shows the cross section of a solenoid. The straight
An ideal solenoid is a solenoid of infinite length
and curved solid arrows represent the magnetic f ield while symbols
and uniform magnetic field inside the coil.
A real solenoid is a solenoid of finite lengt h. Its
and represent the current that are going into and out of the page
magne tic field is unif orm n ear t he c ent er b ut
not uniform near the ends.
respectively (currents are not vectors, but f rom this perspective, they
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI
can be shown only as either into or out of the page).
Pa ge 4 of 1 8

Solenoid operates like several adjacent units of a single loop circular

conductor. However, the upward and downward magnetic f ield vectors
are canceled between t wo adjacent loops, just like in the case of point
A between the second and the third loop. On the other hand, f ield
vectors that are above and below the loops combine to f orm larger

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 5 of 15
 Physics 2

resultant f ield vector, just like in points B and C. The largest

combination of vector f ield occurs at the interior of the conductor where
point C lies due to mutual combination of all the loops.
An ideal solenoid is a solenoid of inf inite length and entirely unif orm
magnetic f ield inside. The magnetic f ield generated by one side of the
solenoid cancels the magnetic f ield generated by the opposite side,
making the magnetic f ield outside the solenoid equal to zero.
A real solenoid is a solenoid of f inite length. Its magnetic f ield is
uniform near the center but not unif orm near the ends. The magnetic
f ield outside the solenoid is not necessarily zero. However, if the length
of the solenoid is much bigger than its diameter, this real solenoid can
be used as close approximation of a real solenoid.

Moving Charged Particles, [ See Moving Charged Particles, Pages 5 and 6 of 18 ]

Page 5 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Magnetism Due to Moving Charged Particles
M o v ing C h a rg ed
P ar t i c l e s Ultimately, all magnetic f ields are generated by changing electric f ield.
As we will see later, the magnetic f ields carried by magnets can all be
All magnetic fields are generated by changing
explained in terms of moving charged particles. Electric currents carry
electric fields.
magnetic f ields because electrons are moving across the wire.
Positive-charge: use right-hand rule
B v Moving positive charged particles, such as protons, positrons (particle
+
identical to electron in every aspect except its positive charge) and
alpha particle (helium atom with all electrons removed) generate
Negative-charge: use left-hand rule
B v
electric f ields with direction based on right-hand rule.

B v
Moving charged particles generate electric field.
Currents generate electric field because it is +
made-up of moving charge.

The direction of magnetic f ield is determined this way because currents

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI
Pa ge 5 of 1 8
are treated as the movement of positively charged holes instead of
negatively charged electrons.
Moving negative charged particles, such as electrons and antiprotons
(particle identical to proton in every aspect except its negative charge)
Moving Charged Particles, generate electric f ields with direction based on left-hand rule, a
Page 6 of 18 technique similar to right-hand rule except that you use your lef t hand
instead of right hand. Another way of determining the magnetic f ield
Phy s ic s 2
due to moving negative charge is to use right-hand rule, but have your
M o v ing C h a rg ed thumb pointing to the direction opposite the motion of negative charge.
P ar t i c l e s
B v
If a charge is moving relative to a point, the
electric field at that point due to the charge is
changing. This on-going change generates
magnetic field.

If a charged particle moves, the electric f ield at a point due to that

charged particle changes. In the f igure below, notice that the electric
f ield at point A changes as the positively charged particle moves f rom
left to right. The electric f ields changes f rom E1 to E2 and f inally to E3 as
the charge moves f rom its position at time t1 to is position at time t2 and
f inally to its position at time t 3.
Note
Changing electric field generates magnetic field.

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI

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*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 6 of 15
 Physics 2

E1 E3
E2

+ + +
t1 t2 t3
Since the requirement to generate magnetic f ield is the movement of
charged particle, and since the electric f ield at a point changes due to
movement of charge, we can conclude that:
Note
Changing electric f ield generates magnetic f ield.

This implication will be very important in determining the nature of light,

which we will study on the last two weeks of this course.

Calculating the Magnetic Field, [ See Calculating the Magnetic Field, Page 7 of 18 ]
Page 7 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Calculating the Magnetic Field Due to a Current
Calc u l a t ing t he
M a g n e t ic F i e ld In solving f or magnetic f ield due to currents, physicists employ two
laws, the Biot-Savart Law and Amperes Law. In their most general
Biot-Savart Law form, these laws must use diff erentiation and integration techniques.
Since Calculus is not a prerequisite for this course, we shall simply
present these laws and the equations that can be derived f rom them for
diff erent possible conf igurations of conductor. Problem solving shall be
States that:
done using the equation specif ic f or each conf iguration of conductor.
i dl r
dB 0

4 r 3

Biot-Savart Law
Where:

0 = 4 10 7 T-m /A = 1.26 106 T-m /A

Biot-Savart Law states that:

i dl r
dB 0

4 r3
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tis m * Prope rty of STI
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where i is the current passing through the conductor, dl is a segment of

the current-carrying conductor, r is the distance f rom the source point
to the f ield point and o is a constant called permeability constant.

0 = 4 107 T-m/A = 1.26 106 T-m/A

Biot and Savart Law is analogous to Coulombs Law in f inding, this

time, the magnetic f ield set-up by a current-carrying conductor.

The position of the current element, which acts as the source of the
magnetic f ield, is called the source point; and the point where the
magnetic f ield is to be evaluated is called the f ield point.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 7 of 15
 Physics 2

Calculating the Magnetic Field, [ See Calculating the Magnetic Field, Page 8 of 18 ]
Page 8 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Amperes Law
Calc u l a t ing t he
M a g n e t ic F i e ld Amperes Law states that:

Amperes Law r r
dl dl 0 i enc
B
r

i
where B is ithe
conductor. magnetic f ield set-up by the current passing through the
enc is the total current enclosed by an imaginary line, with
r r
States that: segment dl, around the conductor. Recall that B dl is an example of
r r
B dl 0 i enc dot product multiplication, the multiplication between two vectors
wherein the product is a scalar quantity.

In the f igure on the right, the symbol is the dl

cross-section of the wire perpendicular to this
page, and its current is away f rom the page. r
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI
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The dashed circle is the Amperian loop.
i
Amperes Law is analogous to Gausss Law
in solving f or, this time, the magnetic f ield set-
up by a current-carrying conductor.

Calculating the Magnetic Field, [ See Calculating the Magnetic Field, Pages 9 and 10 of 18 ]
Page 9 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Magnetic field for different conductor configurations
Cal c u l a t i ng t he
M a g n e t ic F i e ld The list below includes equations for solving the magnetic f ield for
diff erent possible conf igurations of current-carrying conductor. These
Different Conductor Configurations equations were derived using Biot-Savart Law and Amperes Law.
Current Point in Magnitude of
Distribution Magnetic Field Magnetic Field

Distance r from
Current Point in Magnetic Field Magnitude of
Long 0 i
B
straight the conductor 2r Distribution Magnetic Field
conductor

Long Inside the i r

B
i
0
cylindrical
conductor
conductor*
2 R 2 Long straight Distance r f rom the
of radius R
Outside the B
0i conductor conductor 2r
conductor* 2r

*at r away from the center

conductor of 2 R 2
radius R
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tis m * Prope rty of STI
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B 0

2r
*at r away f rom the center

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 8 of 15
 Physics 2

Calculating the Magnetic Field, Current Point in Magnetic Field Magnitude of

Page 10 of 18
Distribution Magnetic Field
Circular loop of Center of a circular arc 0 i
Phy s ic s 2

Cal c u l a t i ng t he radians)
M a g n e t ic F i e ld 0i
Center of complete B
Different Conductor Configurations
circular loop 2r
Circular Center of a 0 i
loop of circular arc wit h B 4r

0 ir
radius r central angle 2
Distance z away
(in radians)
B
2(z 2 r 2 )
i
Center of B 0 directly above or below
2r
complete
circular loop the center of circular
Distance z away 0 ir 2 loop
directly above B
2(z 2 r )
2

or below the

B 0ni
center of
circular loop Long solenoid Inside the solenoid and
Long Inside the B 0 ni (amost ideal) near the center
solenoid solenoid and
(amost near the center with n turns per B 0
ideal) with
n turns per Outside the B 0 unit length Outside the solenoid
unit length solenoid

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tis m * Prope rty of STI

Pa ge 1 0 of 1 8

Calculating the Magnetic Field, [ See Calculating the Magnetic Field, Page 11 of 18 ]
Page 11 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
The f ollowing illustrations shall aid in explaining the meaning of each
Calc u l a t ing t he equation above.
M a g n e t ic F i e ld
Different Conductor Configurations

B B
r
r
i i
R

The illustrations above show the cross section of cylindrical conductor

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism
(gray area) with current i away f rom the page. The lef t f igure shows the
magnetic f ield outside the conductor while the right f igure shows the
magnetic f ield inside the conductor.
* Prope rty of STI
Pa ge 1 1 of 1 8

The illustrations above show the diff erent possible scenarios involving
a circular conductor. In (a), the conductor is simply an incomplete arc
of an otherwise complete circle. In (b), the conductor is a complete
circle. In cases (a) and (b), we want to f ind the magnetic f ield at the
center of the circle. In (c ), the conductor is also a complete circle, but
we want to f ind the magnetic f ield at a point directly above or below the
center of the circle.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 9 of 15
 Physics 2

Calculating the Magnetic Field, [ See Calculating the Magnetic Field, Page 12 of 18 ]
Page 12 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Sample Problem 12.1: Field along a straight conductor
Calc u l a t ing t he
M a g n e t ic F i e ld What is the magnitude of the magnetic f ield 6.1 m below a power
Different Conductor Configurations
line in which there is a steady current of 100 A?

Sample Problem 12.1: Straight conductor Solution:

Wha t is the magnitud e of the magnetic field 6.1 m
belo w a power line in which there is a stea dy
0 i (1.26 10 6 T m/A)(100 A)
current of 100 A?
B= = = 3.3 106 T or 3.3 T
2r 2(6.1 m)
Sample Problem 12.2: Field along a solenoid
A solenoid of length 30.0 cm and radius 2.0 cm is
closely wou nd with 200 tur ns of wire. Th e curre nt
in the windin gs is 5.0 A. Compute t he ma gne tic
field magnitu de at a point near th e cent er of the
solenoid. Sample Problem 12.2: Field along a solenoid

A solenoid of length 30.0 cm and radius 2.0 cm is closely winded

with 200 turns of wire. The current in the windings is 5.0 A. Compute
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI
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the magnetic f ield magnitude at a point near the center of the
solenoid.

Solution:
The known quantities are:
i = 5.0 A
r = 2.0 cm

o = 1.26 106 T-m/A 100 cm = 1.26 10 4 T-cm/A

1m

n= 200
30.0 cm

The radius r = 2.0 cm will not be used in the computation. However,

this information gives us the idea that the length 30.0 cm is much
greater than the diameter: a necessary condition to treat the given
solenoid as ideal solenoid.
B = 0ni

= (1.26 104 T-cm/A) 200 (5.0 A)
30.0 cm
B = 4.2 103 T

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 10 of 15
 Physics 2

Parallel Currents, [ See Parallel Currents, Pages 13 and 14 of 18 ]

Page 13 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Forces on Two Parallel Currents
P ar a l l e l
Cu r r e n t s Last week, we learned that magnetic f ields can exert f orce on current
carrying conductors. In the previous section, we learned that electric
ia
a
conclude that two current-carrying conductors can exert force to one
ib d
b another.
L

The force between two parallel currents ia and

a
ib is given by:

i i L
F
ib d
0 a b

2d
where:
L= length of the conductors b
L
The force is attractive if the currents are
toward the same direction and repulsive if
toward opposite directions. Suppose you have two parallel wires (called wire a and wire b) of equal
Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tis m * Prope rty of STI
length L and with distance d away f rom each other as shown above.
Pa ge 1 3 of 1 8

The magnitude of f orce of attraction (or repulsion) between them is:

i i L
F 0 a b

2d
The f orce is attractive if the currents are toward the same direction and
repulsive if toward opposite directions.
Parallel Currents,
Page 14 of 18 Sample Problem 12.3: Parallel currents

Phy s ic s 2
Two long parallel wires are separated by distance of 8.0 cm. The
P ar a l l e l currents running along these wires are equal in magnitude but
Cu r r e n t s opposite in direction.
Sample Problem 12.3: Parallel currents
(a) What is the current along the wires if the magnitude of the
Two long parallel wire s ar e sepa ra te d by distanc e
of 8.0 cm. The curre nt s runni ng along the se wire s
magnetic f ield half way between them is 300.0 T?
are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
(a) Wha t is the cur ren t along th e wire s if the (b) What is the f orce between the wires if the length of both of
magnitu de of the magnetic field halfway
between them is 300.0 ? them is 4.0 m? Is this f orce attractive or repulsive?
(b) Wha t is the force bet ween th e wir es if th e
lengt h of both of them is 4.0 m? Is this force
attractive or repulsive?
Solution:
(a) By sketching the wires f rom a cross-sectional perspective, we
can see that the magnetic f ields due to the current add-up at
the region midway between the wires.
8.0 cm

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI

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B B

r r
i
i

300.0 T
Midway between the wires, the distance r is 8.0 cm/2 = 4.0 cm
or 4.0 102 m. Hence, the magnitude of the magnetic f ield to
one wire at this point is:
0 i
B=
2r
.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 11 of 15
 Physics 2

Since the magnetic f ield are of equal magnitude and add-up at

the point midway between them, the magnitude 300.0 T is
twice the magnitude of the magnetic f ield due to just one wire.
0 i
300.0 T = 300.0 106 T = 2B = 2
2r
Cancelling the 2 in the numerator and the denominator, and
manipulating the equation so that i is alone on one side give us.
(300.0 T 10 -6 T)r
i=
0
Substituting the known quantities give us:

(300.0 T 10 -6 T)()(4.0 10 2 m)
i = 30.0 A
= (1.26 10 6 T m / A)
(b) Now that we know the magnitude of the current, we can solve
f or the f orce between the wires.
Note that d = 8.0 cm = 8.0 102 m
0ia ib L
F =
2d
(1.26 10 6 T m / A)(30.0 A)(30.0 A)(4.0 m)
=
2(8.0 10 2 m)

F = 9.0 103 N or 9.0 m N

Since the currents move toward opposite directions, the force
is repulsive.

Magnetic Materials, [ See Magnetic Materials, Page 15 of 18 ]

Page 15 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Types of Magnetic Materials
M a g ne t ic
M a t e r ia l s All matter is made up of atoms. These atoms contain electrons in
motion. These electrons f orm microscopic current loop that produce
Atoms are like tiny magnets. The electrons form
magnetic f ields of their own.
a microscopic loop.

i
i
+
-

Moving electrons generate magnetic field. +

-
Hence, atoms are like small magnets.

Most objects do not generate magnetic field

despite being made-up of atoms because the
atoms are oriented randomly: the atoms cancel
each others magnetic field.

In some materials these current loops are randomly arranged causing

no net magnetic f ield so they are classif ied as non-magnetic materials.

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI

Pa ge 1 5 of 1 8
However, if a material is placed within a magnetic f ield, the magnetic
forces of the material's electrons will be aff ected. The materials can
react quite diff erently to the presence of an external magnetic f ield.
Some would cause the current loops to be oriented with the f ield that
their magnetic f ield can add up the external f ield. When this happens,
the material is magnetized.

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Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 12 of 15
 Physics 2

Magnetic properties, which are present in all substances, arise f rom the
interactions of unpaired electrons.

Materials may be classif ied according to some of their basic magnetic

properties, particularly whether or not they are magnetic and how they
behave in the vicinity of an external magnetic f ield. Most materials can
be classif ied as f erromagnetic, diamagnetic or paramagnetic.

Magnetic Materials, [ See Magnetic Materials, Page 16 of 18 ]

Page 16 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Paramagnetic
M a g ne t ic
M a t e r ia l s A paramagnetic material, when placed in non unif orm magnetic f ield
always move f rom weaker to stronger parts of the magnetic f ield. The
Paramagnetic Materials
external magnetic f ield causes it to generate its own magnetic f ield to
Strong attraction to magnetic fields.
the same direction as the external magnetic f ield. However, when the
Does not retain their magnetic properties after
the field has been removed. external magnetic f ield is removed, its magnetic f ield dissipates.
Tend to be attracted towards magnets or
regions with stronger magnetic field (unless
already magnetized and facing the other Paramagnetic properties are due to the presence of some unpaired
magnet with the same pole).
electrons and f rom the realignment of the electrons orbits caused by
Made of atom with unpaired electrons. Each
atom generates its own magnetic field. the external magnetic f ield. When suspended in the region between
When exposed to outside magnetic field, the
atoms reorient themselves such that their
two pole pieces, the atoms of the material align themselves in the
magnetic fields are to the same direction as the
external magnetic field.
direction such that they generate magnetic f ield to the same direction
Examples: copper chloride, sodium.
as the applied magnetic f ield.

These materials do not retain the magnetic properties when the

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism
* Prope rty of STI
Pa ge 1 6 of 1 8
external f ield is removed. They automatically demagnetized by simply
removing the outside magnetic f ield. Moreover, even if they are
magnetized by outside magnetic f ield, the magnetic f ield that they
generate is not as strong as that of a f erromagnetic material.

Copper chloride and sodium are examples of paramagnetic materials.

Magnetic Materials, [ See Magnetic Materials, Page 17 of 18 ]

Page 17 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Ferromagnetic
M a g ne t ic
M a t e r ia l s Ferromagnetic materials are those materials that exhibit a strong
attraction to magnetic f ields and are able to retain their magnetic
Ferromagnetic Materials
properties af ter the external f ield has been removed. When placed
Strong attraction to magnetic fields and can
retain their magnetic properties after the field
close to a magnet, f erromagnetic materials tend to be attracted towards
has been removed.
the magnet (unless it is already magnetized and is f acing the other
Tend to be attracted towards magnets or
regions with stronger magnetic field (unless magnet with the same pole). In a way, it is similar to paramagnetic
already magnetized and facing the other
magnet with the same pole). material except that it has the capability to retain its magnetic field af ter
Made-up of magnetic domains, regions wherein the external f ield was removed.
the atoms are oriented to the same direction
and therefore have net magnetic fields.

Permanent magnets are typically made of Ferromagnetic materials, similar to paramagnetic materials, have some
ferromagnetic materials.

Examples: Iron, nickel and cobalt.

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism
unpaired electrons so their atoms have a net magnetic field.
Ferromagnetic materials get their magnetic properties not only because
their atoms carry a magnetic moment but also because the material is
made up of small regions known as magnetic domains. Magnetic
* Prope rty of STI
Pa ge 1 7 of 1 8
domains are regions within the material where the atoms have the
same orientation and generates magnetic f ield with the same direction.
The bulk of the material has no magnetic f ield when these domains are
oriented at random directions.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 13 of 15
 Physics 2

They get their strong magnetic properties due to the presence of

magnetic domains. When placed in between pole pieces they align
themselves parallel to the magnetic lines of f orce.

When a f erromagnetic material is not yet magnetized, the domains are

nearly randomly organized and the net magnetic f ield for the part as a
whole is zero. When exposed to an outside magnetic field, the domains
become aligned to produce a strong magnetic f ield with the same
direction as the external magnetic f ield.

Upon removal of external magnetic f ield, the material retains its

magnetic f ield. This is how permanent magnets are created.

Ferromagnetic materials that were already turned into permanent

magnets can be demagnetized by applying heat to increase their
temperature, thereby distorting what is otherwise unif orm alignment of
magnetic domains.

Iron, nickel, and cobalt are examples of f erromagnetic materials.

Hence, placing an iron core, such as an iron nail in an electromagnet
(solenoid) strengthens its magnetic f ield, since after being magnetized
by the magnetic f ield produced by the current, the iron core eventually
generates its own magnetic f ield, f urther strengthening the overall
magnetic f ield of the electromagnet.

Magnetic Materials, [ See Magnetic Materials, Page 18 of 18 ]

Page 18 of 18

Phy s ic s 2
Diamagnetic
M a g ne t ic
M a t e r ia l s When diamagnetic materials are placed in non-uniform magnetic f ield,
it moves f rom stronger to the weaker parts of the f ield. Meaning, when
Diamagnetic Materials
placed near a magnet, they tend to be repelled away f rom the magnet.
Has repulsion to magnetic fields. Tend to move
from region of stronger magnetic field to region
of weaker magnetic field.
Diamagnetic materials are solids with all paired electrons. Each pair of
Does not retain their magnetic properties after
the field has been removed. electrons initially moves around the atom with the same speed but
All electrons in each atom are paired. Each atom opposite directions. Hence, the overall magnetic f ield of the atom is
has no net magnetic field because the electrons
in a pair cancel each others magnetic field. zero. However, upon exposure to external magnetic f ield, one electron
When exposed to outside magnetic field, the speeds up and the other slowing down due to the f orce exerted by the
atoms generate magnetic field to counter the
presence of outside magnetic field by having one
electron speeding-up and the atom slowing-
external magnetic f ield. This causes the atom to have net non-zero
down. magnetic f ield, which in turn causes the atom to move towards the
Examples: copper, gold, silver, most
superconducting materials like liquid nitrogen.
region of weaker f ield. The details of this process shall be explained
with more details upon discussion of Lenzs Law.

Funda m e nta l Na ture of M a gne tism * Prope rty of STI

Pa ge 1 8 of 1 8
Diamagnetic material is the opposite of paramagnetic material. It is
slightly repelled by a magnetic f ield and it does not retain the magnetic
properties when the external f ield is removed.

Copper, silver, and gold, are diamagnetic materials. Most

superconducting materials, such as liquid nitrogen, are diamagnetic
materials. In some experiments, magnets are shown to levitate above a
current-carrying superconductor.

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Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 14 of 15
 Physics 2

EVALUATION/GENERALIZATION:

Distribute the student handout Problem Set No. 9. Select some of the
problems as assignment.

Quiz No. 9 shall be conducted on the last 15 minutes of the last

session f or the week.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Fishbane, P.M., Gasiorowicz, S.G. & Thornton, S.T., (2005), Physics

for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics (3rd ed.), Upper
Saddle River, Pearson Educational Inc.

Halliday, D., Resnick, R. & Walker, J., (1997), Fundamentals of

Physics (Fif th ed.), New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

*Property of RTC
Fundamental Nature of Magnetism Page 15 of 15