Magnetism Basics

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts of magnetism, including types of forces, characteristics of magnets, and the behavior of magnetic fields.

What type of force is exerted when two like poles of a magnet are brought near each other?

A repulsive, non-contact force.

What type of force is exerted when two unlike poles of a magnet are brought near each other?

An attractive, non-contact force.

What is the main characteristic of a permanent magnet?

A permanent magnet produces its own magnetic field.

What happens to an induced magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field?

An induced magnet becomes magnetic.

What happens when an induced magnet is removed from a magnetic field?

The induced magnet loses most/all of its magnetism.

What is a magnetic field?

The region surrounding a magnet where another magnet or magnetic material experiences a non-contact force.

What can always be said about the force between a magnet and a magnetic material?

It is always attractive.

How does the strength of a magnetic field change with distance from the magnet?

The magnetic field strength decreases the further you move away.

In what direction does a magnetic field point?

From the north seeking pole to the south seeking pole of a magnet.

What does a magnetic compass contain?

A small bar magnet that points in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field.

What type of force do unlike poles of a magnet create when they come together?

An attractive force.

What distinguishes induced magnets from permanent magnets?

Induced magnets only become magnetic in a magnetic field.

What is the effect of distance on the interaction between magnets?

The strength of the interaction decreases with distance.

What do two unlike poles of magnets do when they are brought together?

They attract each other.

What does it mean for a force to be non-contact?

It can act at a distance without direct physical contact.

Can induced magnets retain their magnetism indefinitely?

No, they lose their magnetism when removed from a magnetic field.

What is magnetic attraction?

The force that draws two magnets together.

Is it possible for two like poles to attract each other?

No, they repel each other.

What physical phenomenon aligns a magnetic compass?

The Earth’s magnetic field.

How is a magnetic field visualized?

Using field lines that show direction and strength.

What happens within a magnetic field?

Magnetic forces can act on other magnets or magnetic materials.

How does a magnetic compass indicate direction?

By aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field.

What are the poles of a magnet?

The ends of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest.

What is the role of the north pole in a magnetic field?

It indicates the direction of the magnetic field lines.

What physical laws govern magnetic force?

Magnetic principles such as attraction and repulsion.

What happens when a magnet is cut in half?

Each half becomes a new magnet with its own north and south poles.

In a magnetic field, how can you determine the strength of the field?

By observing the distance and the force between the magnets.

What is a common source of magnetic fields?

Permanent magnets and electromagnets.

What are characteristics of magnetic materials?

They have domains that can align with a magnetic field.

What does the term 'magnetic domain' refer to?

Regions within magnetic materials where the magnetic fields of atoms are aligned.

What is the Earth's magnetic field primarily caused by?

The movement of molten iron and other metals in its outer core.

What is the visual representation of magnetic fields called?

Magnetic field lines.