What are the parts of a magnet?
Magnetic poles of a magnet | ||
The magnetic pole on a magnet is the area where the magnetic field lines originate. A magnetic field line (or magnetic flux line) is the name of the line of magnetic force that a magnet radiates. | ||
There are two types of magnetic poles: north pole and south pole. These magnetic poles are attracted to the earth's north and south magnetic poles, so they can be used as a compass. | ||
The point on a magnet where the north pole meets the south pole is known as the magnetic axis of the magnet. | ||
Magnetic field of a magnet | ||
The magnetic field fills the space around the magnet with an invisible dome of magnetic field lines inside and outside the magnet, moving from the north pole to the south pole. | ||
The magnetic field is the part of a magnet that allows ferromagnetic materials to be attracted and repelled. When a ferromagnetic material is attached to a magnet, a closed circuit is formed due to the magnetic field going from the north pole through the ferromagnetic material and then to the south pole, holding them together. | ||
The shape and size of the magnetic field changes with each magnet as each type is unique. The shape of the magnetic field is determined by the route of the magnetic field lines from north to south pole, while the size is determined by the overall strength of the magnet. | ||
The shape of the magnetic field defines the area around the magnet that can attract ferromagnetic materials. For example, a pot magnet can only collect ferromagnetic material from its base, as this is the only area where the magnetic field extends beyond the body. | ||
On the other hand, a bar magnet surrounded by a magnetic field can attract ferromagnetic materials from any direction. | ||
The magnetic field cannot be blocked in any way, since it is a continuous circuit. However, magnetic fields can be redirected using ferromagnetic materials. This method is called "using a custodian". For more information about the magnetic holder, see Glossary of magnets |