Magnetism and Attraction: Investigating the Properties of Magnets

In summary: Can you make a piece of iron attract a piece of iron?Can you make a piece of iron repel a piece of iron?In summary, the first question asks if it is possible to determine if both metal cylinders are magnets or if one is a magnet and the other is just a piece of iron, based on their strong attractive forces on each other. The answer is that it is possible, as every magnet has a north pole and south pole, and therefore an object will attract one of these ends even if that object is a monopole. This leads to the conclusion that both cylinders are likely magnets. In response to the second question, there is no object that is repelled by both ends of a bar magnet because every magnet
  • #1
logix24
6
0

Homework Statement



a) You have two electrically neutral metal cylinders that exert strong attractive forces on each other. You have no other metal objects. Can you determine if both of the cylinders are magnets, or if one is a magnet and the other just a piece of iron? If so, how? If not, why not?

b) Can you think of any kind of object that is repelled by both ends of a bar magnet? If so, what? If not, what prevents this from happening?

Homework Equations



Magnet Orientation: Magnetic North Poles attract Magnetic South Poles, and vice versa

The Attempt at a Solution



a) I would assume that that since the question states that both cylinders are exerting strong attractive forces on each other, then they both are probably magnets, rather than one of them being just a magnetic material...

b) I would guess there's not such object because every magnet has a north pole and south pole, and therefore an object will attract one of these ends, even if that object is a monopole.

Do these answers sound correct? Thx;
 
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  • #2
logix24 said:

The Attempt at a Solution



a) I would assume that that since the question states that both cylinders are exerting strong attractive forces on each other, then they both are probably magnets, rather than one of them being just a magnetic material...

b) I would guess there's not such object because every magnet has a north pole and south pole, and therefore an object will attract one of these ends, even if that object is a monopole.

a) Strong is a subjective concept, and absolutely throws no light whatever on the problem at hand.

b) You are going in the right direction! Just gather your thoughts and write exactly how you would utilise this property of a magnet having poles to find out which is which. (There are no monopoles, of course.)
 
  • #3
Asking oneself these various combinations will help:

Can you make a magnet attract a magnet?
Can you make a magnet repel a magnet?
Can you make a magnet attract a piece of iron?
Can you make a magnet repel a piece of iron?
 

FAQ: Magnetism and Attraction: Investigating the Properties of Magnets

What is magnetism and how does it work?

Magnetism is a force that pulls objects together or pushes them apart. It is caused by the movement of electrons within atoms, which create a magnetic field. This field can attract or repel other magnetic materials, depending on their polarity.

How are magnets made?

Magnets are made by exposing certain materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, to a magnetic field. This aligns the electrons in the material, creating a magnetic field in the object itself.

What are the different types of magnets?

The most common types of magnets are permanent magnets, which retain their magnetic properties, and electromagnets, which only have a magnetic field when an electrical current is passed through them. Other types include temporary magnets, which are only magnetic under certain conditions, and superconducting magnets, which use superconducting materials to create an extremely strong magnetic field.

How do magnetic fields affect each other?

When two magnets are brought close together, they interact with each other's magnetic fields. Like poles (north and north or south and south) will repel each other, while opposite poles (north and south) will attract each other. The strength of this interaction depends on the distance between the magnets and their respective strengths.

What are some real-world applications of magnetism?

Magnetism has many practical uses, such as in electric motors, generators, speakers, and MRI machines. It is also used in compasses for navigation, credit card strips for data storage, and in many household appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

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