Understanding Magnetism and Electric Fields

Front

What is magnetism?

Back

A physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charges, resulting in attractive or repulsive forces between objects.

Front

What is a magnetic field?

Back

The region around a magnet where magnetic forces are experienced, visualized using lines that flow from the north pole to the south pole.

Front

What are the ends of a magnet called?

Back

Magnetic poles—north and south poles.

Front

What happens when like poles of magnets interact?

Back

Like poles repel each other.

Front

What happens when opposite poles of magnets interact?

Back

Opposite poles attract each other.

Front

What are permanent magnets?

Back

Materials, such as neodymium or bar magnets, that retain their magnetism over time.

Front

What are soft magnets?

Back

Materials like iron that can be magnetized temporarily and lose their magnetism when the external field is removed.

Front

What are some applications of soft magnetic materials?

Back

Transformers, electromagnets, and relays.

Front

How can magnetization occur?

Back

Through methods such as stroking with a magnet, placing materials in a magnetic field, or passing an electric current around them.

Front

What is demagnetization?

Back

The process of losing magnetism, which can happen by heating, hammering, or exposing the magnet to an alternating magnetic field.