Magnetism Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key magnetism concepts from the notes.

Magnetism

The force that can act at a distance between magnets and magnetic materials.

Magnetic field

A region around a magnet where its magnetic force can act on other magnets or magnetic materials.

Magnetic field lines

Imaginary lines showing the direction of the magnetic field; they run from the magnet’s north pole to its south pole outside the magnet.

Magnetic field strength

The magnitude of the magnetic field; it is strongest near the magnet (especially at the poles) and decreases with distance.

Pole (north pole and south pole)

The two ends of a magnet where the magnetic influence is strongest; opposite poles attract, like poles repel.

North pole

The end of a magnet from which magnetic field lines emerge; attracts the south pole of another magnet.

South pole

The end of a magnet into which magnetic field lines enter; attracts the north pole of another magnet.

Attract

The pulling together action between opposite poles of magnets or magnetic materials.

Repel

The pushing apart action between like poles of magnets.

Earth’s magnetic field

Generated by the circulation of iron and nickel in Earth’s core, creating magnetic north and south poles; a compass points north because of this field.

Magnetism

The force that can act at a distance between magnets and magnetic materials.

Magnetic field

A region around a magnet where its magnetic force can act on other magnets or magnetic materials.

Magnetic field lines

Imaginary lines showing the direction of the magnetic field; they run from the magnet’s north pole to its south pole outside the magnet.

Magnetic field strength

The magnitude of the magnetic field; it is strongest near the magnet (especially at the poles) and decreases with distance.

Pole (north pole and south pole)

The two ends of a magnet where the magnetic influence is strongest; opposite poles attract, like poles repel.

North pole

The end of a magnet from which magnetic field lines emerge; attracts the south pole of another magnet.

South pole

The end of a magnet into which magnetic field lines enter; attracts the north pole of another magnet.

Attract

The pulling together action between opposite poles of magnets or magnetic materials.

Repel

The pushing apart action between like poles of magnets.

Earth’s magnetic field

Generated by the circulation of iron and nickel in Earth’s core, creating magnetic north and south poles; a compass points north because of this field.

Everyday examples of magnets

Refrigerators (to seal doors), speakers and headphones (to produce sound), credit cards (magnetic strip for data), electric motors (to convert electrical energy to mechanical), and compasses (for navigation).