Article
1/23/2021

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.