Magnetism - MR Njeka
Magnetism - MR Njeka
Magnetism - MR Njeka
1. MAGNETISM
THE PHYSICS OF MAGNETISM
You are probably most familiar with magnets as referred to as non-magnetic materials.
providing a way to attract some other things. A Magnetism is the phenomena arising from the
magnet is the natural substance that attracts force caused by magnets. This is the force of
certain substances like iron or nickel by the force attraction or repulsion. Magnetic materials can
of attraction. The ‘certain’ substances attracted also me made magnets in an artificial way. They
by magnets are called magnetic materials and can be made of desired shape and size and of the
iron is such a material. Some substances like desired magnetic field.
wood are not attracted by magnets are thus
WHY IT MATTERS
Magnetism affects the daily lives of people in a in sound- and video-recording equipment, and
number of ways, including contributing to magnetic recording material is used on
advances in medicine and personal safety. computer disks.
Magnets are used in many electronic machines Magnets are also applied in the medical sciences.
and devices. Modern day applications are Some of such applications include magnet
widespread and cover almost all areas. The list therapy used for the pain management without
of important technological applications of use of medicines, use of magnets to stimulate the
magnetism is very long. For instance, large nerves in the human body and enhance blood
electromagnets are used to pick up heavy loads. circulation, and the uses the magnets to cure
Magnets are also used in meters, motors, and arthritis, gout, spondylitis and other problems
loudspeakers. Magnetic tapes are routinely used related to the nervous system among others.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 1
MAGNETISM
Magnets
Magnets are substances that attract certain types of materials, known as magnetic materials.
Lodestone, discovered by the Chinese 2,000 years ago was found to attract other materials. Magnetism
can be defined as a force of attraction or repulsion that acts at a distance.
Properties of magnets
Generally, magnetics behaves in certain unique ways. These are the properties of magnets. They
include;
Directional property
When a magnet is suspended freely with a string, it always settles in a north-south direction. The side
facing north is the North Pole while South Pole is the side facing pointing to the south.
Activity 1.1: Directional property of a magnet
The requirements are a bar magnet, a thread and a retort stand.
Tie the thread at the centre of the magnetic
Suspend the bar magnet on a retort stand
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 2
MAGNETISM
Magnetic poles
Magnets are double-poled substances with both North and South poles. When a bar magnet is cut in
half, two smaller magnets are produced, each with its own north and south poles. What if you cut the
half-bar-magnet? You will still obtain two smaller magnets, each with its own north and south poles
as shown in
Fig. 1.5: A magnet dipped in iron filings to show where magnetic force is strongest
As shown in Fig. 1.5, it is observed that more iron filings cling to the poles. This is an indication that
the strength of a magnet is not uniform along the length of the bar magnet. Magnetic force is stronger
at the poles of a magnet.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 3
MAGNETISM
Law of magnetism
If two bar magnets are pushed together end to end, they will either attract each other or repel each
other, depending on which poles are used.
Activity 1.3: Investigating law of magnetism
The requirements are two bar magnets, threads and a stand.
Suspend a bar magnet as shown in figure, so that it can freely rotate.
Allow it to come to rest. You will notice that it remains in north-south direction.
Bring N pole of second bar magnet near N pole of the suspended bar magnet. What do you
observe?
Now bring a S pole near the N pole of the suspended magnet. What do you observe?
Fig. 1.6
As shown in Fig. 1.6 (a) the N pole is the suspended magnet swings away. The N pole repels N pole. In
Fig. 1.6 (b), the N pole of the suspended magnet is pulled onto the S pole. The S pole attracts the N
pole. In each case, when like poles are near each other, there is repulsion and when there are unlike
poles near each other there is attraction. From this experiment, we can conclude that:
Like poles repel each other, and
Unlike poles attract each other.
Test yourself
1. Given two rods, one a bar magnet and the other an iron rod. Using a string, describe how you
would identify the bar magnet.
2. Describe an experiment to show that the strength of a magnet is at the poles
3. Give a reason why attraction as a method of identifying magnets may not give accurate results.
4. Explain how a magnetic compass identifies the north.
5. When you break a bar magnet in half, how many poles does each piece have?
Magnetic field
Consider an iron nail placed on a table and a magnet brought close to it from a distance. The nail is
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 4
MAGNETISM
not attracted when the magnet is far away from it. But as the magnet moves closer, it get to a point
when the nail is finally attracted. This means that there is region around a magnet where its force can
be experienced. This region is known as magnetic field. Magnetic field is thus,
The region around a magnet where the strength of the magnet is felt.
This region can be seen by dipping a magnet in iron filings. See Fig. 1.8.
Magnetic field lines are imaginary lines along the direction of force of the magnetic field
Characteristics of magnetic field lines
Magnetic field lines of force start from the North Pole and end at the South Pole.
Magnetic lines of force cannot intersect each other.
They are closer where the field is stronger
They repel each other sideways and form closed paths without intersecting
Fig. 1.10 shows how magnetic field lines are drawn to interpret the strength of a magnet, or a magnetic
field.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 5
MAGNETISM
Fig. 1.10: Strength of a magnetic field interpreted from magnetic field lines
Note:
Magnetic field lines have no beginning or end. Rather, they always form a closed loop. In a permanent magnet,
the field lines actually continue within the magnet itself to form a closed loop. (These lines are not shown in
diagrams.)
Fig. 1.11: Magnetic field patterns of a bar magnet and a horseshoe magnet
Fig. 1.12
Fig. 1.12. (a) two unlike poles are close to each other. This filed pattern is similar to that produced between the poles of a
u-shaped magnet and a horseshoe magnet as shown in Fig. 1.11 (b). Fig. 1.12. (b) shows repulsion where two like poles
are facing each other. The point X is called a neutral point. At X the field due to one magnet cancels out that due to
the other and there is no magnetic field hence no lines of force.
Fig. 1.13 below shows three more magnetic patterns between a set of magnetic poles.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 6
MAGNETISM
Fig. 1.16
Note:
Non-magnetic materials do not have domains. The dipoles are so randomly arranged such that they cannot
achieve any alignment during the process of magnetization. See Fig. 1.17.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 7
MAGNETISM
Fig. 1.21
Magnetization by stroking
The object to be magnetized is placed on a bench then a bar magnet is dragged along the length of the
bar from one end to the other. This is repeated several times and the object becomes magnetized.
There are two types of stroking; single-stroke and double-stroke.
Single stroke
A magnetic material is stroked with the same pole of the permanent magnet from one end to the other
end in one direction. Fig. 1.22 shows a unmagnetised steel bar being stroked several times by a
permanent magnet. The bar is stroked every time by the same pole (N pole) of the permanent magnet
from one end to the other end in one direction. The magnet is lifted sufficiently high above the steel
bar between successive stoke.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 8
MAGNETISM
Double stroke
The steel bar can also be magnetised using two permanent magnets. This speeds up the magnetising
process. Two opposite poles are used to stroke the steel bar from the centre to outwards. See Fig. 1.23.
The use of opposite poles helps in producing a magnetized steel bar with two opposite poles at the
ends.
Note:
When using two magnets, the stroking pole used in each magnet has to be opposite, and they stroke the steel
bar in opposite directions.
Using two magnets to stroke magnetizes faster than that using one magnet.
Both stroking methods only produces weak magnets.
Consequent poles
This a situation in which a bar magnet acquires same poles at the ends and an opposite pole at the
middle. This is can be achieved when a bar is stroked with same poles of two magnets, as in Fig. 1.24.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics” 9
MAGNETISM
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 10
MAGNETISM
Demagnetizing
Demagnetizing is the process of removing magnetic properties of a magnet. It involves altering the
alignment of domains in a magnet. The following methods are which a magnet can lose its magnetism;
Hammering a magnet with its poles facing E-W direction. Hammering disarranges the dipoles
as the earth’s magnetic field rearrange the dipole to face same direction
Heating the magnet strongly
Placing a magnet inside a solenoid and passing an a.c. current through it for a short time. An
alternating current is an electric current which varies its direction many times per second. This
changes the orientation of dipoles in the domains many times per second leading to
disorganized domains.
Magnetic shielding
Have you ever wondered about how to shield a magnet? Can a magnetic field be blocked so that it does
not get to a particular region? Can a sensitive device therefore be shielded from magnetic fields?
Magnetic shielding is to prevent magnetic field lines from reaching the magnetic sensitive equipment
whose operation may be affected by the fields. In other words, magnetic field is redirected by a
magnetic shield. Magnetic shielding involves putting a ferromagnetic material in the path of a
magnetic field. Such a material, like iron concentrates the magnetic field lines and divert them out
from the ends. A non-magnetic material has no effect on magnetic field and thus magnetic field lines
passes through them. Fig. 1.28 shows this contrast.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 11
MAGNETISM
Fig. 1.29
The magnetic field of the magnets passes through the cardboards and the space between them hence
attracting the pins. A plastic ruler is a non-magnetic material and has no effect on the magnetic field.
When inserted between the boards, the magnetic field passes through it unaffected and the pins
remains attracted. The steel knife on the other hand is magnetic as affects the magnetic field. It thus
acts as a magnetic shield. For this reason, the magnetic field does not reach the bottom cardboard.
The pins fall off. The region below the knife do not have a magnetic field and is thus shielded.
Fig. 1.30 shows how an iron rod and an iron ring shields the regions marked ‘X’.
Fig. 1.30
The neutral points marked ‘X’ do not have magnetic field. Watches (non-digital), electron beams in
cathode ray tubes and TV sets are shielded from external magnetic fields by placing a soft-iron cylinder
around the neck of the tube or watch.
Storing magnets
Magnets should be stored in pairs with unlike poles adjacent to each other attached to pieces of soft
iron called keepers.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 12
MAGNETISM
The keepers ensure that dipoles are arranged in closed loops hence maintaining their alignment. This
therefore retains magnetism in the magnets.
Maintaining magnets
i. Magnets should not be hammered especially with their poles facing E-W direction.
ii. Magnets should not be heated strongly or dropped roughly on hard surfaces.
iii. Magnets should not be placed near alternating currents.
iv. Magnets should be kept dry and clean since rust can make them lose their magnetism.
Uses of magnets
i. Used in making other magnets
ii. Used in making loud speakers
iii. Used in making moving coil meters
iv. Used in making telephone speakers.
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 13
MAGNETISM
Fig. 1.31
Complete the circuit such that both poles P and Q acquire opposite polarity (South - North
respectively).
4. Fig. 1.32 below shows a bar magnet. Point A and B are in front of the magnet.
Fig. 1.32
On the axis provided, sketch a graph showing how the magnetic field strength changes from A to
B.
Fig. 1.33
7. An iron ring is placed between two magnets as shown in the figure below.
Fig. 1.34
a. Sketch the magnetic field pattern between the poles and mark the neutral point, X on the
diagram
b. State one application of the concept tested above.
8. State one application of soft iron in magnetism.
9. Two magnets A and B in Fig. 1.35 were brought from a point high above a table towards a steel
pin.
Fig. 1.35
State with a reason which magnet will attract the pin at a bigger height above the table.
10. Fig. 1.36 below represents a soft iron bar being magnetized
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 14
MAGNETISM
Fig. 1.36
Explain the shape of the graph.
11. A ferromagnetic material was magnetized using single stroking method. Sketch a graph to show
how the strength of the magnet being created varies with the number of strokes
12. Explain in terms of domain theory what happens when a bar magnet is placed in a solenoid in
which an alternating current flows.
13. The figure below shows two magnets being used to strike a steel bar.
X Y
15. One method of producing a weak magnet is to hold a steel rod in the North -South direction and
then hammer it continuously for some time. Using domain theory of magnetism explain how this
method works.
16. Use domain theory to differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
17. You are given three bars. One is magnetized with opposite poles at its ends. Another is magnetized
with consequent poles. The third is not magnetized. Describe an experiment which you would
perform to identify each.
18. Figure below shows a U-shaped magnet stored with a keeper.
Fig. 1.37
Explain how this method helps to retain magnetism longer.
19. A soft iron bar AB is placed in a magnetic field of a horse shoe magnet as shown below. What are
the polarities of A and B?
Fig. 1.38
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 15
MAGNETISM
20. Give a reason why attraction in magnetism is not regarded as a reliable method of testing for
polarity.
21. Two similar razor blades were placed on a wooden block and the other on an iron block as in figure
7.
It was observed that the razor blade on the wooden block is attracted by the magnet while that on
the iron block was not. Explain
22. Use Fig. 1.39 below to answer the questions that follows.
Fig. 1.39
a. Show the direction of the current on the turns when the switch S is closed.
b. State the polarity at P
c. Explain using domain theory what happens on the soft iron bar
d. If steel bar was used instead, what could be the difference?
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 16
MAGNETISM
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060: “We all are smart in Physics” 17
MAGNETISM
Checkpoint KCSE Physics Form Two: By Mr. Njeka-0723054060 : “We all are smart in Physics”
18