Magnetism and Magnetic Fields (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the magnetism notes.

Magnetic dipole

A magnet with two opposite poles (north and south); the basic unit of magnetism.

North magnetic pole

The pole that repels a known north pole and attracts a known south pole; often shaded on magnets and compasses.

South magnetic pole

The pole opposite the north; attracts a north pole and repels another south.

Magnetic materials

Materials that are attracted to magnets; iron is the most common example; they are attracted to both poles via induced dipoles.

Induced dipole

A temporary dipole created in a material by an external magnetic field, causing attraction to a magnet.

Compass

Instrument used to identify magnet poles by aligning with the magnetic field.

Magnetic field

The region around a magnet where magnetic forces act.

Magnetic field lines

Imaginary curves that map the magnetic field; they start at the north pole, end at the south pole, and do not cross.

Field vector

A vector representing the magnetic field at a point, indicating strength and direction at that location.

Bar magnet field behavior

Around a bar magnet, field lines begin at the north pole, end at the south pole, and spread apart with distance, indicating a weaker field farther away.

Field lines do not cross

Magnetic field lines never intersect each other.

Like poles facing

When like poles face each other, field lines curve away and do not cross, illustrating repulsion.

Unlike poles facing

When unlike poles face, field lines connect from the north of one magnet to the south of the other.

Multiple pole pairs

Magnets can have more than one north–south pair; poles need not be at the ends.

Stripes refrigerator magnet

An example showing distributed poles along a surface, creating a striped magnetic field.

Geographic north vs magnetic polarity

Geographic north pole is near the Earth's magnetic south pole; magnetic and geographic poles are offset.

Right-Hand Rule

A rule to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire: point the thumb along current, fingers show field direction.

Circular magnetic field around a wire

The magnetic field lines form circles around a straight current-carrying wire; strength decreases with distance.

Dipole field of a loop

A current loop produces a dipole-like magnetic field, with lines through the center and looping around.

Field strength vs distance

The magnetic field weakens as distance from the source increases, shown by field lines spreading apart.