Chapter-9 Magnetism
Earth as a Giant Magnet
What is Earth's Magnetic Field?
1. Earth behaves like a giant magnet with a magnetic field
surrounding it.
2. This magnetic field protects the planet from harmful solar
radiation and plays a crucial role in navigation.
Why is Earth a Magnet?
1. The Earth's core consists of molten iron and nickel.
2. The outer core's movement creates electric currents, which in
turn generate a magnetic field. This process is called the
geodynamo.
Magnetic Poles of Earth
1. Earth has a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole.
2. These magnetic poles are not fixed; they shift slightly over
time due to changes in the Earth's core.
The Compass and Earth's Magnetic Field
1. A compass works because Earth's magnetic field aligns the
compass needle, pointing it toward the magnetic north.
2. The magnetic north pole is slightly different from the
geographic North Pole.
Magnetosphere: Earth's Protective Shield
1. The magnetic field extends into space, forming a region
called the magnetosphere.
2. The magnetosphere deflects harmful charged particles from
the Sun, such as the solar wind.
Auroras: A Spectacular Effect
1. When solar particles interact with Earth's magnetic field,
they create beautiful light displays near the poles called
auroras (Aurora Borealis in the north and Aurora Australis
in the south).
ELECTROMAGNETS
1. What is an Electromagnet?
● Definition: An electromagnet is a type of magnet where the
magnetic field is produced by an electric current. The magnetic
field disappears when the current is turned off.
● Temporary Magnet: Unlike permanent magnets, electromagnets
can be switched on and off.
2. How is an Electromagnet Made?
● Components:
1. Iron Core: A soft iron rod or nail serves as the core.
2. Wire Coil (Solenoid): A long wire wound into a coil around
the iron core.
3. Power Source: A battery or power supply provides the
electric current.
● Process:
1. When electric current flows through the coil, it creates a
magnetic field around the wire.
2. The iron core inside the coil becomes magnetized and
enhances the strength of the magnetic field.
3. When the current stops, the iron core loses its magnetism.
3. Characteristics of Electromagnets
● Strength of the Magnetic Field:
○ Increases when:
1. The number of turns in the coil increases.
2. The current in the coil is increased.
3. A soft iron core is used.
● Polarity: The direction of the current determines the north and
south poles of the electromagnet.
4. Uses of Electromagnets
● In Daily Life:
○ Electric bells and buzzers.
○ Speakers and microphones.
○ Magnetic locks on doors.
● In Industries:
○ Lifting heavy iron or steel objects in scrapyards.
○ Separating magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones.
● In Medicine:
○ MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines use
electromagnets to create detailed images of the body.
5. Advantages of Electromagnets
● Can be turned on and off.
● Strength can be controlled by adjusting the current.
● They can be made stronger or weaker as required.
6. Difference Between Electromagnets and Permanent Magnet
Property Electromagnets Permanent Magnets
Magnetism Temporary (depends on Permanent
current flow)
Strength Can be adjusted Fixed strength
Materials used Soft iron Hard iron or steel
Applications Electrical devices and Everyday objects like
industries fridge magnets
7. Simple Experiment to Make an Electromagnet
Materials Needed:
● A large iron nail or bolt.
● Insulated copper wire.
● A battery.
● Paper clips or small iron nails for testing.
Procedure:
1. Wrap the copper wire tightly around the iron nail, leaving some
wire free on both ends.
2. Connect the free ends of the wire to the battery terminals.
3. Bring the nail close to paper clips or small nails and observe how
they are attracted.
4. Disconnect the battery and notice how the nail loses its magnetism.
Observation: The nail behaves like a magnet only when the circuit is
complete, showing that it is an electromagnet.
8. Limitations of Electromagnets
● Require a constant power source to maintain magnetism.
● Can overheat if used for extended periods with high currents.
● The magnetic field is weaker compared to some permanent
magnets if the current is low.
Activity to Engage Students
1. Objective: Demonstrate Earth's magnetic field using simple
materials.
2. Materials: Bar magnet, iron filings, a sheet of paper, and a
compass.
3. Procedure:
1. Place a bar magnet under the sheet of paper.
2. Sprinkle iron filings on the paper to visualize the magnetic
field lines.
3. Use a compass to show how the needle aligns with the field.
4. Explain that Earth has a similar magnetic field, but much
larger.
Objective
● To understand what an electromagnet is.
● To investigate factors that affect the strength of an electromagnet.
Materials
● Iron nail (long, about 3–5 inches)
● Insulated copper wire (thin, 22-26 gauge)
● AA batteries and battery holder
● Paperclips or small iron objects
● Switch (optional)
● Electrical tape
● Variable resistor (optional, to control current)
Procedure
Constructing an Electromagnet
o Wrap the copper wire tightly around the iron nail to form a
coil. Leave a few inches of wire free at both ends.
o Connect the free ends of the wire to the battery terminals
using electrical tape. Optionally, use a switch for controlled
operation.
Testing the Electromagnet
o Bring the electromagnet close to paperclips or small iron
objects and observe how many it can pick up.
Investigation Parameters
o Number of Coils: Change the number of turns of the wire
around the nail and test its effect on the strength of the
electromagnet.
o Current Strength: Add a variable resistor or change the
number of batteries to test how current affects the
electromagnet's strength.
o Core Material: Experiment with different core materials, like
a steel rod, wooden stick, or no core, and observe the
differences.
Observations
● Count the number of paperclips or small objects the electromagnet
can pick up.
● Record the data for each variation in a table (e.g., number of coils
vs. number of paperclips picked up).
Discussion Questions
1. How does increasing the number of wire turns affect the
electromagnet's strength?
2. What happens to the magnetic strength when the current
increases?
3. Why is an iron nail more effective as a core than a wooden stick or
no core?
Critical Thinking Extensions
● How are electromagnets used in real-life applications (e.g., cranes
in junkyards, MRI machines, or electric bells)?
● Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of electromagnets
compared to permanent magnets.