Magnetism

A magnet is an object that produces magnetic force.

Properties of magnet
1. A magnet has a magnetic field around it.
2. When freely suspended, a magnet aligns in the N-S direction of earth.
3. Like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
4. Magnetic strength is strongest at the poles.
Magnetic and non-magnetic materials
The materials to which magnets are attracted are called magnetic materials.
Eg: iron, steel, cobalt, nickel etc.….
The materials to which magnets are not attracted are called non-magnetic materials.
Eg: Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Brass, Rubber, Wood, Plastic
Permanent and temporary magnet
A magnet that retains its magnetic properties after the removal of the magnetizing force is
called Permanent magnet.
Eg: Bar magnet
A material that does not retain its magnetic property after the removal of the magnetizing
force is called temporary magnet.
Eg: paper clips attracted to magnet, electromagnet (solenoid)
Induced magnetism
When a piece of unmagnetized material is brought near a permanent magnet, it becomes a
temporary magnet by itself is called induced magnetism.
Ferromagnets
The metals or alloys which are strongly magnetized are called ferromagnets. They mainly
contain iron, nickel and cobalt.
Hard and Soft magnetic materials
Magnetic materials which are difficult to magnetize and demagnetize are called Hard
magnetic materials. It is used to make permanent magnets.
Eg: Steel, Alnico
Magnetic materials which are easy to magnetize and demagnetize are called Soft magnetic
materials. It is used as core in the transformer.
Eg: iron
 Magnetization
The process that makes a magnetic material magnetic is called magnetization. The removal of
magnetic property of a magnet is called De-magnetization.
Magnetization methods
1. Stroking- The magnetic material is stroked with the same pole of the magnet.
The magnet is lifted and again bring the same pole to starting end. The process is
repeated until it becomes a magnet.
2. Electrical method- keep the magnet inside a long coil of wire and pass a large DC into it.
De-Magnetization methods
1. Heating the magnet.
2. Hammering the magnet.
3. Electrical method- keep the magnet inside a long coil of wire and pass AC into it.
Magnetic Field
It is the region around a magnet where it experiences a force due to another magnet or
magnetic material.
Magnetic Field Lines: the imaginary lines around a magnet which represent a magnetic field.
Properties of Magnetic Field
1. It is always directed from N to S.
2. Near the poles, the field lines are crowded. This gives rise to a strong magnetic field
near the poles.
Draw magnetic field patterns for the following cases
a. Single Bar magnet
b. When the bar magnets attract each other

c. Bar magnets repel each other

Solenoid
A solenoid (electromagnet) is a straight conductor/ wire wound in the form of a cylinder.
The magnetic field around a solenoid (a long coil) is identical to the magnetic field of a bar
magnet.

A solenoid with a soft iron core is nearly 1000 times stronger than that of a solenoid without
a core.

The strength of an electromagnet’s magnetic field may be increased by:

• Increasing the current in the coil.
• Inserting a soft iron into the coil.
• Adding more turns to the coil.
Electromagnets have an advantage over permanent magnets as they can be
a. turned on and off
b. the magnetic field strength can be changed.