ASIA PACIFIC WORLD SCHOOL
Chapter : Magnetism
1. What is Magnetism?
Magnetism is the force by which certain materials (like iron, cobalt, nickel) attract or repel each other.
A magnet is an object that produces a magnetic field and attracts magnetic materials.
2. Magnetic Materials
Magnetic substances:
• Iron
• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Steel (alloy of iron)
Non-magnetic substances:
• Wood
• Plastic
• Glass
• Copper
• Aluminium
3. Types of Magnets
(a) Natural Magnets
• Found in nature
• Example: Lodestone (magnetite)
(b) Artificial Magnets
Made by humans
Types:
1. Bar Magnet
2. Horseshoe Magnet
3. Ring Magnet
4. Disc Magnet
5. Cylindrical Magnet
4. Magnetic Poles
Every magnet has two poles:
• North Pole (N)
• South Pole (S)
Important Properties:
1. Like poles repel (N-N, S-S)
2. Unlike poles attract (N-S)
3. Poles always exist in pairs (no single pole magnet)
5. Magnetic Field
The region around a magnet where its force is felt is called a magnetic field.
Magnetic Field Lines:
• Represent direction of magnetic force
• Go from North pole to South pole (outside the magnet)
• Closer lines = stronger field
• Never intersect each other
6. Magnetic Domains (Important Concept)
Magnetic materials are made up of tiny regions called magnetic domains.
Before magnetization:
Domains are randomly arranged → material is not magnetized
After magnetization:
Domains align in one direction → material becomes a magnet
➡️ This alignment produces magnetism.
7. Methods of Making Magnets (Charging)
(1) Single Touch Method
• Rub a magnet over an iron bar in one direction only
• Repeated stroking magnetizes the bar
(2) Double Touch Method
• Two magnets used from centre to ends
• More effective method
(3) Electrical Method
• Current passed through a coil wound around iron core
• Forms an electromagnet
8. Electromagnet
An electromagnet is a temporary magnet made by passing electric current through a coil wrapped around a soft
iron core.
Construction:
• Soft iron core
• Copper wire coil
• Battery / power supply
• Switch
Working:
When current flows → magnetic field produced → iron core becomes magnet
When current stops → magnetism disappears
Uses:
• Electric bell
• Cranes lifting scrap iron
• Relays
• Motors
10. Properties of Magnets
1. Attract magnetic materials
2. Have two poles (N & S)
3. Like poles repel, unlike attract
4. Freely suspended magnet aligns North-South
5. Magnetic force is strongest at poles
6. Cannot isolate a single pole
11. Care of Magnets
• Do not drop magnets
• Keep away from heat
• Store bar magnets in pairs with soft iron keepers
• Keep away from electronic devices
12. Demagnetization (Loss of Magnetism)
Magnets lose strength due to:
• Heating
• Hammering
• Dropping repeatedly
• Improper storage
14. Real Life Applications of Magnetism
• Electric motors
• Loudspeakers
• Magnetic cranes
• Electric bells
• Refrigerator doors
• Magnetic compass