Explanations 
Textbooks 
Exams 
GCSE 
IGCSE 
AS 
A Level 
International A Level 
University Admissions Tests 
Flashcards 
Vaia AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Find a job 
Find a degree 
Student Deals 
Magazine 
Mobile App Chapter 13: Problem 7
List two methods of producing magnetic fields.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Electric currents and permanent magnets are two methods to produce magnetic fields.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Common Methods
Consider common methods used in everyday devices or scientific applications. Magnetic fields are often produced using either electric currents or permanent magnets.
02
Method 1 - Electric Current
One of the more common ways to generate a magnetic field is by passing an electric current through a conductor, such as a wire. When electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around it. This principle is used in electromagnets and various electrical devices.
03
Method 2 - Permanent Magnets
Another method to produce a magnetic field is to use permanent magnets. These are materials that have their magnetic domains aligned, giving them a persistent magnetic field without the need for an electric current. Common materials used for permanent magnets include iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Electric Current
Electric current is the flow of electric charge, typically through a conductor such as a wire.
When an electric current flows, it creates a magnetic field around the conductor. This is known as Ampere's law.
The magnetic field produced by an electric current can be easily controlled by turning the current on or off.
Applications:
From electric motors in household appliances to complex machinery in industries, the principles of electric currents and magnetic fields are at the core of modern technology.
When an electric current flows, it creates a magnetic field around the conductor. This is known as Ampere's law.
The magnetic field produced by an electric current can be easily controlled by turning the current on or off.
Applications:
- Electromagnets: These are magnets created when an electric current passes through a coil of wire. The coil often wraps around a magnetic core, like iron, to enhance the magnetic field.
- Motors: Electric motors use the magnetic fields generated by electric currents to create motion.
- Transformers: These devices use magnetic fields to transfer electrical energy between circuits.
From electric motors in household appliances to complex machinery in industries, the principles of electric currents and magnetic fields are at the core of modern technology.
Permanent Magnets
Permanent magnets are objects that produce a persistent magnetic field without needing an electric current.
These magnets have their atomic magnetic moments aligned in a fixed orientation. The alignment is achieved during the manufacturing process and remains stable.
Common materials for permanent magnets include iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Properties:
These magnets have their atomic magnetic moments aligned in a fixed orientation. The alignment is achieved during the manufacturing process and remains stable.
Common materials for permanent magnets include iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Properties:
- Durability: The magnetic field of a permanent magnet is consistent over time and doesn’t require energy input.
- Strength: Some permanent magnets, like neodymium magnets, are incredibly strong and are used in various high-performance applications.
- Poles: Each permanent magnet has a north and a south pole, where the magnetic force is strongest.
- Magnetic storage: Hard drives and other data storage devices use permanent magnets to read and write data.
- Magnetic separators: These are used in industries to separate metallic contaminants from other materials.
- Speakers and microphones: Many audio devices rely on permanent magnets to convert electrical signals into sound and vice versa.
Magnetic Field
A magnetic field is a region around a magnetic material or moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts.
This force can attract or repel other magnetic materials and is fundamental to the operation of many devices.
One of the simplest ways to observe a magnetic field is by sprinkling iron filings around a magnet. The filings will align along the field lines, showing the direction of the magnetic force.
Characteristics:
This force can attract or repel other magnetic materials and is fundamental to the operation of many devices.
One of the simplest ways to observe a magnetic field is by sprinkling iron filings around a magnet. The filings will align along the field lines, showing the direction of the magnetic force.
Characteristics:
- Field Lines: These represent the direction of the magnetic force. Field lines emerge from the north pole of a magnet and enter the south pole.
- Strength: The strength of a magnetic field is greatest near the poles of a magnet and decreases with distance from the magnet.
- Interactions: Magnets can interact with each other through their fields. Like poles repel each other, while opposite poles attract.
- Electric Currents: Moving electric charges can create magnetic fields, as seen in electromagnets.
- Permanent Magnets: Materials with aligned atomic magnetic moments create constant magnetic fields.
- Earth’s Magnetic Field: Earth itself acts like a huge magnet with a magnetic field extending into space, which protects us from solar radiation and helps in navigation.
