Chapter 20

Notes
Magnetism
_____

Laws of magnetism
Magnets attract magnetic materials
 Magnetic materials are materials that can be attracted to a magnet
 Non-magnetic materials are materials that cannot be attracted to a
magnet
 Magnets have two poles
 Magnetic effects are strongest at the poles
 A freely suspended magnet comes to rest in the north-south direction
 The end of the bar magnet that points to the North Pole of the Earth is
called the north-seeking pole / north pole / N pole
 The end of the bar magnet that points to the South Pole of the Earth is
called the south-seeking pole / south pole / S pole
 This property allows magnetics to be used as compasses
 Like poles repel, unlike poles attract [Law of magnetic poles]
 South pole of one magnet will attract north pole of another magnet
 North pole of one magnet will repel north pole of another magnet
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Properties of magnets
Induced magnetism
 Magnetic induction is the process whereby an object made of a
magnetic material becomes a magnet when it is near or in contact with
a magnet.
 Magnetic induction can occur with or without physical contact.
 When a paper clip is brought near a permanent magnet, it is attracted
to the magnet → paper clip becomes an induced magnet
 This induced magnet is able to attract other paper clips

Theory of Magnetism
 A bar magnet is made up of many ‘tiny magnets’ or magnetic
domains.

Magnetic Domains
 Magnets are made of atoms. Physicists believe that the orbiting motion
of electrons around the nucleus of an atom makes the atom an atomic
magnet.
 A magnetic domain consists of a group of atomic magnets pointing in
the same direction.

What happens during magnetisation

 In an unmagnetised material, the magnetic domains are randomly
aligned.
 During magnetisation, the magnetic domains become aligned.

2
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

1. The magnetic domains in an

unmagnetised bar point in random
directions

2. There is no net magnetisation

because the domains cancel
one another out.

3. Magnetisation: magnetism is
induced by aligning the domains.

4. The magnetic domains point

in the same direction, producing a
net magnetisation.

5. Each arrow is arranged

directly behind the arrow in front of
it. Therefore, the N poles are
cancelled out by the adjacent S
poles.

6. The atomic magnets at the

ends are ‘free’. This produces the
effect of N or S poles at the ends.

7. The atomic magnets at the

ends tend to fan out due to
repulsion between the like poles.

3
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Methods of magnetism and demagnetisation

Method 1: Stroking
1. An unmagnetised steel bar is stroked several times from one end to
the other, in one direction, with one of the poles of a permanent
magnet
2. The stroking magnet should be lifted sufficiently high above the steel
bar between successive strokes.
3. The pole produced at the end of the steel bar where the strokes finish
is opposite to the stroking pole used.

Single Stroke Double Stroke

4
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Method 2: Electrical method using a direct current

1. When a large current flows through coils of wire (a solenoid), a strong
magnetic field is produced
2. The magnetic field aligns the magnetic domains in the steel bar

5
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Demagnetising Magnets

Method 1: Heating
 Strongly heating a magnet and letting it cool in an east-west
orientation will cause the magnet to lose it magnetism. The atoms of
the magnet vibrate vigorously when heated, causing the magnetic
domains to lose their alignment.

Method 2: Hammering
 Hammering a magnet placed in east-west direction alters the
alignment of the magnetic domains, causing the magnet to lose its
magnetism.

Method 3: Electrical method using an alternating current

1. Place a magnet inside a solenoid in the east-west direction
2. Connect the solenoid to an alternating current (a.c.) current supply.
- (an alternating current is an electric current that varies its
direction many times per second)
3. Withdraw the magnet with the alternating current still flowing in the
solenoid, until it is some distance away.

6
 Chapter 21 Electromagnetism

(a) Magnetic field patterns due to currents in straight wires and in solenoids

Recall: Use the right hand grip rule to determine direction of magnetic field/magnetic poles on a solenoid

Magnetic field due to currents in straight wire Magnetic field due to current in solenoid

1
 Effect of reversing direction of current and increasing current strength

Top View of currents

Strength of a magnetic field around a current carrying wire depends on:

 The strength of the current and the distance from the wire.

 Take note that the spacing between consecutive circles increases, this shows that the
magnetic weakens as distance increases
Magnetic field of a solenoid and a single loop

Magnetic field around a solenoid Magnetic field around a single loop

Determine the direction of the magnetic field inside outside each of the following diagrams. Use a ‘dot’ or
‘cross’ to represent the direction of the field.

2
Draw the magnetic field pattern around and inside the solenoids.

(b) Describe how the circuit breaker works

(c) Describe experiments that shows force on (i) current carrying conductor in a magnetic field (ii)
moving charged particles in a magnetic field (Motor Effect)

(i) Current carrying conductor

 A force is exerted on a current carrying conductor when it is placed perpendicular to a

magnetic field.
 The magnetic field set up by the current in the wire interacts with the magnetic field of the
permanent magnet, causing a force to be exerted on the wire.

3
 (ii) Force on a beam of charged particles in a magnetic field (replace current carrying conductor with
a moving charged particle)

(d) Deducing direction of force, current and magnetic field – use Fleming’s Left Hand rule

Fleming’s left hand rule shows that

when a current (second finger) is
perpendicular to the magnetic field it is
placed in (first finger), a force is
exerted on the current carrying
conductor (thumb)

Predict the direction of the force acting

on each charge moving through the
magnetic fields as shown.

4
Using a catapult field to illustrate the motor effect

The closely packed magnetic field lines below the wire in Fig 3 indicates that the magnetic field in that
region is stronger. Therefore, a net upward force will be exerted on the wire

Question 1

(a) A wire is wound around a soft-iron core forming a solenoid, as shown in the figure.

There is a gap in the core. The solenoid is connected in series with a 12 V battery and a variable resistor.
The resistance of the solenoid is 0.30  and the variable resistor is set so that it has a resistance of 4.5 .

(i) Calculate the current in the solenoid.

(ii) The current in the solenoid magnetises the soft-iron core. Explain how the electric circuit is used
to increase the strength of the magnetic field.

(iii) The figure below shows a horizontal, current-carrying wire PQ in the gap.

1. The magnetic field in the gap is uniform and vertically upwards. The current in PQ is from left to
right. Describe the effect of the magnetic field on PQ.

2. State the effect on PQ of increasing the strength of the magnetic field in the gap.

5
(b) The starter motor in a car is powered by a 12 V battery that is positioned next to the motor. The current
in the motor is 75 A.
(i) Calculate the power supplied by the battery.

(ii) Suggest and explain why the wires that connect the motor to the battery are very thick.

Question 2

The figure shows the coil of a loudspeaker attached to a cardboard cone. One pole of a stationary cylindrical
magnet lies near to the coil.

There is an alternating current in the coil of the loudspeaker. A student hears the note produced.

(a) (i) Explain why the cone of the loudspeaker vibrates.

(ii) Explain how the vibrating cone produces sound waves in the air.

(b) A stronger cylindrical magnet is now used. State the difference in the note heard.

Motor effect and Loudspeaker

Current through coil produces a changing magnetic

field

This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of

the permanent magnet causing a force to act on the
cone

As the alternating current in the coil changes direction

and magnitude, the speaker cone moves back and
forth

The loudness of the sound depends on the current

The pitch of the sound depends on the frequency of the

alternating current

6
(e) Force exerted on parallel current carrying conductors

Magnetic field of one conductor interacts with the magnetic field of the other conductor, causing a force to
be exerted on both conductors (Newton’s third law)

The direction of the force between parallel current-carrying conductors is:

 Repulsive if the currents are in opposite directions

 Attractive if the currents are in the same direction

7
 Chapter 22 Electromagnetic Induction

(a) Faraday’s experiments and electromagnetic induction

 The galvanometer needle deflects in one direction when the N pole moves towards the
solenoid
 The galvanometer needle deflects in the opposite direction when the N pole moves away
 This shows that an emf is induced across the solenoid when there is relative movement
between a conductor and a magnetic field
 When the magnet is stationary relative to the solenoid, no emf is produced and the
galvanometer needle shows no deflection

1
Conclusions
1 Changing magnetic field induces (gives rise to) an emf in a circuit

 A change in the magnetic field lines linking or ‘cutting’ the coil results in an emf being induced
across the ends of the coil (or an induced current flows in the coil)
 The magnetic field lines (magnetic flux) linking the turns in the coil increases from 0 to a maximum
value or decrease from a maximum to 0.
 As the rate of magnetic flux linkage increases, the magnitude of the emf increases. Once the
flux linkage reaches a maximum value and stops increasing, the induced emf decreases to zero.
The reverse is also true. If the flux linkage decreases at an increasing rate, the magnitude of the
emf also increases.

 Faraday’s law states that the magnitude of the induced emf across the ends of the wire is directly
proportional to the rate at which the magnetic lines of force cuts the wire (rate at which magnetic flux
linking the wire changes)

2
2 Lenz’s Law: The direction of the induced emf is such that it always opposes the change that
caused it

Determine the polarity of X in each example and the direction of the induced current (Right hand grip
rule)

3 The induced emf can be increased by moving the magnet more quickly or increasing the number of
turns per unit length on the coil

Fleming’s Right hand dynamo (generator) rule

When a force acts on a conductor causing it

to move in a direction which is
perpendicular to a magnetic field, an
induced current or emf is produced.

Lenz’s law: Law of conservation of energy

 When the conductor moves through a magnetic field, an emf is induced in the conductor which results in
a current flow. (Use Fleming’s right hand rule to determine direction of induced current)

 A second magnetic field associated with this induced current will also be induced.

 The interaction between this second magnetic field and the original magnetic field produces a force on
the conductor. (use Fleming’s left hand rule to determine direction of force)

3
 By the law of conservation of energy, the direction of this induced force must be opposite to the motion
of the conductor. (otherwise the conductor would move forever which goes against the law that energy
cannot be created)

Question 1
A straight length of copper wire lies horizontally between the poles of a U shaped magnet. The figure shows
the two ends of the wire connected to a very sensitive, centre-zero ammeter.

The copper wire is moved upwards slowly between the two magnetic poles. The needle on the ammeter
deflects to the right.
(a) Explain why the needle on the ammeter deflects.

(b) The wire is moved downwards very quickly between the two magnetic poles. State what happens to
the needle on the ammeter.

(c) State what happens to the needle on the ammeter when the copper wire is moved horizontally
between the two poles.

Question 2

In the figure shown, a short bar magnet passes through a long solenoid. A galvanometer is connected
across the solenoid. A graph of the angle of deflection is plotted against time and the result is shown. Using
the principles of electromagnetic induction, explain the shape of the graph, focusing on the three regions
labelled.

4
1  As the north pole of the bar magnet enters the solenoid, there is a change in the number of
magnetic field lines linking the solenoid (magnetic flux linkage in the solenoid changes).
 The change in the magnetic flux linking the coils of the solenoid results in an induced emf in the
circuit.
 Faraday’s law states that the magnitude of the induced emf is proportional to the rate at which
the magnetic flux linkage changes. This emf drives an induced current through the closed circuit.
 The induced current produces a galvanometer needle deflection θ.
 By Lenz’ law, the induced current creates a north pole at the right end of the solenoid to oppose
the incoming north pole. Thus the galvanometer needle is deflected momentarily to one side.

2 At the instant when the bar magnet travels past the mid length point of the solenoid, there is no change
in the magnetic linking the solenoid. (magnetic flux linkage is maximum, hence rate of change is now
zero)
There is no induced emf and hence no induced current to cause a deflection in the galvanometer.

3 As the south pole of the magnet exits the solenoid, there is again a change in the magnetic flux linking
the solenoid (decrease in flux linkage)
By Lenz’s law, the induced current creates a north pole at the left end of the solenoid to oppose the
outgoing south pole. Thus the galvanometer needle deflects momentarily in the opposite direction.

Question 3
A metal cylinder and a cylindrical magnet of the same weight are released from the top of a hollow copper
tube.

An induced emf is produced in the copper tube when the magnet

falls through it.
(a) Sketch a graph to show how the induced emf in the copper
tube varies with time.
(b) Explain why the magnet takes a longer time to reach the
bottom of the tube compared to the metal cylinder.

As the magnet falls through the copper pipe, its magnetic field linking the copper tube changes, inducing a
current in the pipe. By Lenz’s law, the induced current flows in a direction which opposes the change causing
it. The induced current causes a repulsive force to act on the falling magnet which slows it down. The metal
cylinder does not experience any magnetic force therefore it does not slow down.

5
Question 4

Why does the light aluminium ring move away as the magnet is moved
towards it?

(b) Structure of an AC Generator

Rotating coil generator (O level syllabus)

Slip rings – Ensures that the alternating output voltage of the rotating coil is transferred to an external circuit
(If a split ring commutator is used, it reverses the direction of the output emf to the external circuit every half
cycle such that a DC output is obtained)

(c) Graph of voltage against time for a simple a.c. generator

How does the magnetic flux linkage vary with time?

6
DC Generator output (not in syllabus)

Question 5

(a) Deduce the direction of the induced current in each of the coils from the point of view of an observer
in front of the slip ring (clockwise, anticlockwise or zero current)
(b) State if the magnetic flux linkage and induced emf in each of the positions is maximum or zero.

Position Direction of induced current Magnetic flux linkage Size of induced current
(clockwise/anticlockwise/zero) (maximum or (maximum or
minimum) minimum)
A
B
C
D
E

7
Question 6
The figure shows the current produced by two different generators.

(a) Compare these graphs in terms of magnitude

of current and frequency.
(b) Explain, in terms of possible structural
differences between the two generators, why
these graphs are different.

(d) Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO)

Y gain (Volts/division on the y-axis)

• Determines height of trace

Time base (milliseconds/division on the x-axis)

• Varying voltage connected to X-deflection plates.
• Causes one plate to become steadily more positive so that the electron beam moves at constant
speed across the screen

Time base frequency (Hz)

• Number of times the spot travels across the screen from left to right in one second
• e.g. timebase frequency 25 Hz  spot sweeps across the screen 25 times in 1 second

Given that the input voltage has a frequency of 50 Hz – in one second, the direction of the voltage alternates
50 times.
If the time base frequency is 25 Hz – in one second, the electron beam sweeps across the screen 25 times.

The number of complete waves that will be observed on the CRO screen is 50/25 = 2

8
Question 7
The figure below shows the structure of a simple alternating current (a.c.) generator.

(a) On the figure, label (i) the coil of the generator with the letter C, (ii) a slip ring with the letter S, (iii) a
carbon brush with the letter B.
(b) The a.c. generator is operating and the arrows on the figure show the direction of rotation. Explain
why there is an electromotive force between the two output terminals.
(c) The output terminals of the a.c. generator are connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope. (c.r.o.) The
figure below shows the trace on the screen of the c.r.o.

Describe how the trace and a setting on the c.r.o. are used to find the time for one revolution of the coil of the
a.c. generator. You may draw on the figure.

Compare the difference in the functions of the parts in a DC motor and an AC generator

Part of motor Function in motor Function in generator

Armature Rotates to convert electrical energy into Rotates to transfer kinetic energy to
kinetic energy electrical energy
Magnets Provide field for interaction with a second Provide field to induce current in
field induced by current to produce a force rotating coil
and hence a turning effect on the coil
Coil Carries supply current Movement of coil in magnetic field
induces current
 Commutator in DC Changes direction of supply current every Provide electrical contact between
motor half rotation so moment produced is in a rotating coil and the external circuit
 Slip ring in AC constant direction and to allow for a.c. production
generator
Brush Provide electrical connection for supply Provide electrical connection for output
current to coil current

9
(f) Simple iron-cored transformer

 The alternating voltage in the primary coil (Vp) causes an alternating magnetic field to be set up in the soft
iron core.
 The alternating magnetic field lines in the iron core cut/link the secondary coil causing an emf (Vs) to be
induced in the secondary coil.
 The frequency of the induced emf in the secondary is the same as the frequency of the a.c. in the primary
coil.

𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠

=
𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠

𝑉𝑠 𝑁𝑠
=
𝑉𝑝 𝑁𝑝

(g) Power transfer in an ideal transformer

Pin = Pout
IpVp = IsVs

To reduce losses in a transformer

Type of loss Method to reduce loss

Heating losses in copper wire Thick copper wires with low resistance
Heating losses due to eddy currents in iron core Laminated iron core reduces eddy currents
(changing magnetic field induces current in core, current
will in turn produce heat)
Incomplete linkage of magnetic field lines between Wind secondary coil on top of primary coil
primary and secondary coil
Energy used in magnetising iron core and reversing this Iron core is made of soft iron which is easily
magnetisation when current reverses magnetised and demagnetised

10
(h) Energy losses in transmission cables

 Current in the transmission line is always the same but the voltage drops along the wire as power is
lost in the form of heat so that Vout is less than Vin.
 Power loss is given by I2R where R is the resistance of the wire in the transmission line.
 High transmission voltage keeps the current in the wires low
 Resistance is kept low by using thick wires with a large cross sectional area

Question 8
The diagram shows two solenoids connected in series. A bar magnet, P, is dropped through the left coil, X.

dropping
magnet, P N
suspended
S magnet, Q

left coil X right coil

Y

11
(a) Describe and explain what happens to the suspended magnet, Q when the north pole of the
falling magnet, P, approaches the top of the left coil, X. [4]

(b) A transformer in Fig. Q has a primary coil of 400 turns of insulated copper wire and a
secondary coil of 5 turns of thick-walled copper tubing.

Fig. Q

The primary coil is connected to the 240 V a.c. mains and a nail is connected across the
secondary terminals.
When the switch S is closed, the nail glows.
(i) Calculate the potential difference across the ends of the nails. [1]

(ii) Explain why the nail glows. [1]

(iii) Explain why an a.c. source is used in the primary coil of the transformer. [2]

(iv) If the soft-iron core is removed before the switch is closed, the nail remains quite cool.
Explain this observation. [2]

Transmission through the grid system

12
Other uses of induced emf

Metal detector

Induction cooker

Rotating magnet generator (not in O level syllabus)

13
3 (a) As the N pole of P approaches the coil, an emf is induced in the coil due to change in magnetic flux
linking its coils. This causes a magnetic field to be set up in coil X. By Lenz’s law, the polarity of the
end facing the approaching N pole becomes an N pole while the end of coil Y facing the S pole of coil
Q is an induced N pole. Therefore, Q will be repelled by coil Y since like poles repel.
(b) (i) Turns ratio = 400: 5 = 80: 1
Secondary emf = 240 ÷ 80 = 3 V
(ii) When voltage is stepped down, current increases. The high current through the nail causes it to heat
up and glow.
(iii) An ac is needed to ensure that the magnetic flux linking the coils change continuously so that a
continuous emf can be induced in the secondary coil
(iv) The induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux and the iron core’s purpose is
to increase the magnetic field strength, therefore if it is removed, the rate of flux change is reduced
and the magnitude of the induced emf and current decreases hence the iron nail remains cool.

14
(f) Force on a current carrying coil in a magnetic field

To increase the turning effect

 Increase number of turns on the coil

 Increase the magnitude of the current
 Increase the strength of the permanent magnet

(g) Electric motor (D.C. motor)

A force acts on both sides of the coil but in

opposite directions because the current is in
opposite directions. These two forces produce a
turning effect which turns the coil anticlockwise.
The centre of the coil is connected to an axle
which can be used to do work e.g. spin the
blades of a fan.

Motors change electrical energy into mechanical energy (kinetic or potential).

They consist of magnets fixed to the casing of the motor (stator) so they remain stationary and a rotating
armature on which the coils of wire are wound.

When a current flows through the coils, the interaction between the magnetic field due to the current and
the fixed magnet causes the armature to rotate. (Fleming’s left hand rule)

(a) Which way does the coil rotate as seen

from X?
(b) Identify the parts A to F.

8
(h) Action of a split ring commutator

A split ring commutator acts as a switching

device to change the direction of the current
in the coil every half rotation so that the
direction of the moment remains constant.

Current flows in the direction ABCD Commutator and coil rotates by 90°
Upward force acts on D No current flows into coil due to split in commutator

Commutator and coil continue moving due to Current flows in the direction DCBA
inertia Downward force acts on D.
Current reverses direction and flows in the direction Direction of moment remains as anticlockwise
DCBA throughout
Downward force acts on D

The turning effect can be increased by increasing number of turns on the coil, placing a soft iron core in
the centre of the coil, increasing current and using stronger magnets (e.g. electromagnet)

Winding the coils on a soft iron cylinder

transfers the magnetic field more
efficiently from the permanent magnet
to the coils than an air core.

9
Extension:

(Recall: Moment = Force × perpendicular distance)

Magnetic force = BIl (B = magnetic field strength, I = current, l = length of coil perpendicular to magnetic field)

Formula can be simplified to Moment = nBIA (n = number of turns, A = area of coil)

Question 3

The figure shows several stages in the rotation of the coil in a simple motor.

(a) Describe how the moment on the coil changes as it rotates from position A to D.

(b) Sketch a graph to represent the change in moment.

(c) At which point in the rotation of the coil must the current flowing through it change direction? Explain
your answer.

10
 Parts Function
Stator Stationary part of motor comprising electromagnets/permanent magnet
Protective covering used to house whole motor
Field winding Copper wire wound on stator used to produce magnetic field if permanent magnets
are not used
Armature core Attached to rotor (rotating part of motor)
(soft iron core) Made of iron and is used to concentrate the magnetic field to increase the turning
effect
Armature winding Copper wire wound on the rotor on which a force is exerted when current flows
Provides the turning effect by converting electrical energy to kinetic energy
Connected to the axle from which useful work is extracted (e.g. spinning a turbine or
fan blades)
Commutator Reverses direction of current flow every half revolution of the rotor
Brush Made of graphite or carbon
Makes sliding contact with commutator
Supplies current from external circuit to commutator to armature winding.

Question 4

The figure shows a type of motor. PQ and RS are solenoids. The solenoids and the coil ABCD are connected
in parallel to a battery.

a) Explain briefly how the motor works.

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

b) State
(i) the polarity at end Q of the solenoid PQ;
(ii) the direction of current in the coil;
(iii) the direction of rotation of the coil as seen by the observer.

11
c) Name the component E and explain its function.
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

d) The motor can be modified and converted into a simple ammeter to allow it to measure the current
passing through. Suggest and explain briefly how this can be done.
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

e) A student says that if the battery is replaced by a 50 Hz a.c supply, the coil will only oscillate to and
fro hence the motor will not function properly. Explain why the student is incorrect.
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

12
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Magnetic field pattern

 A magnetic field is the region surrounding a magnet, in which a body
of magnetic material experiences a magnetic force.
 A magnetic field is invisible, but can be visualized as imaginary
magnetic lines of force surrounding the magnet.
 These lines give the direction and strength of the field.
 The arrangement of a group of magnetic lines of force is called a
magnetic field pattern.
 The magnetic field pattern of a magnet can be revealed by
 Sprinkling iron filings around it

Magnetic field lines between magnets

Two unlike poles (N pole & S pole)

7
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Two like poles (2 N poles)

 Point X is a neutral point because fields from both magnets cancel

each other out at that point.
 A neutral is a point where the resultant magnetic field is zero.
 Therefore, the magnets produce no magnetic effect at X, as indicated
by the absence of magnetic field lines at that point.

Parallel bar magnets

 Magnetic field lines can never intersect.

 By convention, the magnetic field line is the path along which an
imaginary “free” North pole will move if placed along this line. If 2
magnetic field lines intersect, it would mean that 2 “free” North poles
would have attracted, which is against the law of magnetism. Hence,
magnetic field lines cannot intersect

8
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Magnetic shielding
 Magnetic fields may affect the proper functioning of equipment like
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment and computer hard
drives.
 To prevent the surrounding magnetic fields from reaching the
sensitive areas of these equipment, we use magnetic shielding
 In magnetic shielding, thick sheets of soft magnetic materials like
iron are used to divert the magnetic fields that are present.
 They are able to do this because magnetic field lines tend to pass
within them

1. Magnetic field lines coming out of the N

pole ‘prefer’ to pass within the soft iron
sheet rather than through air
2. The field lines, after passing through
the soft iron, are ‘forced’ to come out
and enter the S pole of the magnet to
form closed loops
3. The region on this side of the soft iron
sheet is free from the magnetic field

 Magnetic shielding using a hollow iron

container.

 The region within the iron container

has no magnetic field.

9
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Plotting of magnetic field lines with a compass

 The lines can be investigated to find their path and direction using a
plotting compass.
1. Place a plotting compass at point A.
2. Note the direction it points at.
3. Mark a 2nd point next to the N-pole of the plotting
compass.
4. These steps are repeated as shown.
5. The points are all joined using a pencil.
6. All these steps are repeated for other points next to the
N-pole of the magnet.
.

10
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Temporary magnets and permanent magnets

Soft and Hard Magnetic Materials

Magnetic Material Soft Hard

Properties Difficult to
Easily magnetised
magnetise and
and demagnetised
demagnetise
Steel, alnico,
Examples Iron
neodymium

Used to make Temporary magnets Permanent magnets

Uses of permanent magnets

 Magnets are used in many devices
o Permanent magnets are used when a constant magnetic field is
needed
o Temporary magnets are used when a changing magnetic field is
needed
o The function of some devices (eg loudspeaker, moving-coil
ammeter) depend on the interaction of the magnetic fields of
permanent and temporary magnets
 Magnetic door catches
o Magnetic strips made of permanent magnets are fitted to the
door of a refrigerator.
o This ensures that the refrigerator is airtight when the door is
shut against the steel frame

11
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Uses of permanent and temporary magnets

 Moving-coil loudspeakers
1. A strong permanent magnet is used in the moving-coil
loudspeaker to provide a constant magnetic field
2. A core made of soft magnetic material placed inside a
current-carrying coil becomes a temporary magnet. The poles of
the temporary magnet change when the direction of the current
in the coils changes.
3. The loudspeaker diaphragm moves due to the alternating
attraction and repulsion between the temporary and permanent
magnets

 Moving-coil ammeters
1. A strong permanent magnet
is used in the moving-coil
ammeter.
2. A core made of soft
magnetic material is placed
inside a current-carrying
coil. When current flows
through the coil, the core
becomes a temporary
magnet and a turning force
is produced.
3. The pointer attached to the coil moves as the coil turns, and
shows the amount of current flowing through the ammeter.

12
 Chapter 20: Magnetism

Uses of temporary magnets (electromagnets)

- E lectric-bell

Magnetic-relay

C ranes that help separate magnetic material and non-magnetic material

13