Magnets and electromagnets

• The area around a magnet is known as the magnetic field.
• Two like poles repel each other and two unlike poles attract each other.
• Every magnet has two poles: North and South.
• Magnetic fields travel from north to south so be careful to label a diagram in this way with an arrow on the line of field pointing towards south.
• A compass can be used to detect a magnetic field.
• When electricity passes along a wire, it forms a magnetic field.
• Using direct current will make the field in circles around the wire. This can be tested by using a compass.
• You need to learn the magnetic rules which includes the right hand grip rule.
• If a coil of wire is used a stronger magnetic field is produced.
• You also need to know about some devices that work by electromagnetism such as an electric bell and relay.
• If you are asked to draw the magnetic field around a magnet REMEMBER:
• The lines must travel around the magnet.
• They must not touch each other.
• Label the magnetic field with arrows going from north to south.