Lecture Notes on Magnetism

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions related to magnetism, magnetic forces, and electromagnetic induction.

Magnetic Force

A force that exists between charges in motion.

Pole

Regions on a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest, with examples being the North Pole and South Pole.

Magnetism

The phenomenon due to non-symmetrical motion of electrons that allows some materials to exert magnetic forces.

Magnetic Field

Surrounds any object with magnetic properties and is represented by the symbol B.

Magnetic Field Lines

Imaginary lines used to visualize the size and direction of a magnetic field; they form closed paths, never cross, and indicate the strength of magnetic forces.

Magnetic Flux Density

Magnetic flux per unit area passing through a plane perpendicular to the flux lines, measured in tesla (T).

Electromagnetic Induction

The process of inducing a potential difference along a conductor by moving it through a magnetic field.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves produced when the electric and magnetic fields surrounding a charge change, typically occurs when charges are accelerated.

Law of Magnetic Attraction

Like poles repel while unlike poles attract.

Vector Quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, e.g., magnetic force.