Magnetism Explained: Learn the Basics

[KingNothing]

Hey all, we are doing a unit in magnetism right now in school...some of it really baffles me. like why a metal coil when induced with a current and placed over a magnet will spin.

And another thing I don't get is: If you take a magents with a N and S end, and cut it in half, you get two magnets with N and S ends. What's up with that?

 

[Jdo300]

Ok I can answer the part about cutting the magnet in half for you. If you look at a magnet down at the microscopic level, it is made up of lots of little parts called magnetic domains. The orientations of these domains are what determine the direction of the poles of the magnet. For instance, in a normal hunk of metal, all the domains in it are randomly oriented so the metal doesn't have a north or south pole. But in magnetized permanent magnets, all the magnetic domains are pointing in one direction. So if you take the magnet and cut it in half, you've essentially just made two separate magnets with their own north and South Pole. It's the little domains that determine the polarity, not the magnet as a whole. So, if you're wondering why there is not such a thing as a one polled magnet, the reason why is because of the domains that make up the magnet, they are each tiny magnets with north and south poles themselves. Now as far as the electromagnet coil you were talking about, could you elaborate on what you were doing with it?

 

[Graeme Robinson]

Hi there,

Magnetism can definitely be a confusing topic, but it's also a fascinating one! Let's break down your questions one by one.

First, let's talk about why a metal coil, when induced with a current and placed over a magnet, will spin. This phenomenon is known as electromagnetic induction. When a current flows through a metal coil, it creates a magnetic field. And since opposite poles of magnets attract each other, the magnetic field created by the coil will interact with the magnetic field of the magnet, causing the coil to spin. This is the basic principle behind electric motors and generators.

As for your second question, the reason why cutting a magnet in half results in two magnets with N and S ends is due to the internal structure of magnets. Magnets are made up of tiny magnetic domains, which are groups of atoms with aligned magnetic fields. When a magnet is cut in half, these domains are split, resulting in two smaller magnets with their own N and S poles.

I hope this helps clarify things for you. Magnetism can be a complex topic, but with some basic understanding of its principles, it can become much easier to grasp. Keep exploring and asking questions, and you'll soon become a magnetism expert! Good luck with your studies.