magnets and electromagnets p12

What is a magnetic field

The region of space around a magnet where a magnetic material will experience a force

What happens when like and unlike poles are brought together

• like = repel

• Unlike = attract

What happens to the strength of the magnetic field as you get further away from the magnet

Decreases / weakens

Where is the magnetic field of a magnet strongest

At the poles

In which direction do magnetic field lines always point

North to south

What does the distance between magnetic field lines indicate

Strength of the field - closer together = stronger field

What is a permanent magnet

Material that produces its own magnetic field

What is an induced magnet

Material that becomes magnetic when it is put in a magnetic field

What does a magnetic compass contain

Small bar magnet

What is produced around a wire when an electric current flows through it

Magnetic field

What factors does the strength of the magnetic field around a straight wire depend upon

• size of current

• Distance from wire

What affect does shaping the wire into a solenoid have on the magnetic field strength

Increases strength of magnetic field

How can the strength of the magnetic field inside a solenoid be increased

Put an iron core in