What is a Magnetic Field?

Magnetic Field is the region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the
force of magnetism acts.

A magnetic field is a vector field in the neighbourhood of a magnet, electric current, or changing
electric field in which magnetic forces are observable. A magnetic field is produced by moving
electric charges and intrinsic magnetic moments of elementary particles associated with a
fundamental quantum property known as spin. Magnetic field and electric field are both interrelated
and are components of the electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature.

Illustration of Magnetic Field

Typically, a magnetic field can be illustrated in two different ways.

Magnetic Field Vector

Magnetic Field Lines

Magnetic Field Vector

The magnetic field can be mathematically described as a vector field. The vector field is a set of
many vectors that are drawn on a grid. In this case, each vector points in the direction that a
compass would point and has a length dependent on the strength of the magnetic force.
Magnetic Field Lines

Field lines is an alternative way to represent the information contained within a magnetic vector
field. Magnetic field lines are imaginary lines.

Magnetic field lines are a visual tool used to represent magnetic fields. They describe the direction of
the magnetic force on a north monopole at any given position

The density of the lines indicates the magnitude of the field. Taking an instance, the magnetic field is
stronger and crowded near the poles of a magnet. As we move away from the poles, it is weak, and
the lines become less dense.

Properties of Magnetic Field Lines

Magnetic field lines never cross each other

The density of the field lines indicates the strength of the field

Magnetic field lines always make closed loops

Magnetic field lines always emerge or start from the north pole and terminate at the south pole.

Uses of Electromagnet

An electromagnet is a kind of magnet where the magnetic field is created by an electric current. The
uses of electromagnets are given here to help learners understand the topic more effectively.
Electromagnets can be considered as a temporary magnet that functions with the help of an electric
current. The magnetic strength of an electromagnet can be easily altered by varying the amount of
electric current and its polarity can be changed by varying the direction of the electric current.

Electromagnets are used for various purposes on a day-to-day basis. For example, electromagnets
are used in the large cranes which are used in waste yards. Electromagnets are also widely used in
numerous electromechanical and electronic devices. Some common uses are given below.

10 Uses of Electromagnets

Generators, motors, and transformers

Electric buzzers and bells

Headphones and loudspeakers

Relays and valves

Data storage devices like VCRs, tape recorders, hard discs, etc.

Induction cooker

Magnetic locks

MRI machines

Particle accelerators
Mass spectrometers

Read More: Electric Current

Uses in Home Appliances

Most of the electric appliances used in the home use electromagnetism as the basic working
principle. Some electromagnet uses in the home include an electric fan, electric doorbell, induction
cooker, magnetic locks, etc. In an electric fan, the electromagnetic induction keeps the motor
rotating on and on making the blade of the fan to rotate. Also in an electric doorbell when the
button is pressed, due to the electromagnetic forces the coil gets energized and the bell sounds.

Uses in Medical Field

The uses of electromagnets are also seen in the medical field. MRI scan which is short for Magnetic
Resonance Imaging is a device that uses electromagnets. The device can scan all the tiny details in
the human body with the help of electromagnetism.

Uses in Memory Storage Devices and Computer Hardware

The data in eBook gadgets and phones are stored in the electromagnetic format in the form of bytes
and bits. The computer hardware is also having a magnetic tape which works on the principle of
electromagnetism. Even in the olden days’ electromagnets had a huge role in the data storage of
VCP and VCR.

Uses in Communication Devices and Power Circuits

Without electromagnets, the mobiles and the telephones we used to make phone calls over a long
distance could not have taken shape. The electromagnetic pulses and the interaction of the signals
make mobiles and telephones very handy.