Electromagnetism

Rules of magnetism Like poles repel. Unlike pole attract. There are four magnetic metals; steel, cobalt, iron and nickel. Bar magnets have magnetic fields surrounding them in a donut shape.

Iron fillings on plotted compasses can be used to investigate magnetic fields. The magnetic field is strongest at the two ends of a bar magnet, shown by iron filings. The greater amount of magnetic lines, the stronger the magnetic field.

The right hand grip rule (for a wire) in order to find the direction of field lines around a wire carrying current, the RHGR is used. Grip a wire with your right hand so that your thumb shows the direction of the current. The fingers curve in the direction of the magnetic field.

Uses of electromagnets A solenoid is a coil of wire. An electromagnet is a solenoid which is connected to a power supply and has a soft iron core in it. Electromagnets are better than magnets because they can be turned on and off, and because their strength can be changed (stronger and weaker). How to increase the strength of an electromagnet: Increase the number of turns in the coil. Put a soft iron core in it. Increase the current.

Electromagnets can be used for electric bells and relays. They can also be used in scrap yards (separating metals from non-metals) and in hospitals to remove splinters. Electromagnetic force around a solenoid In order to find the direction of a field around a solenoid: Find where N and S are.

Grip the solenoid with the right hand so that your fingers are in the direction of the current, your thumb will show the north pole. (arrows go from north to south)

Electromagnetic induction is when a conductor cuts across magnetic field lines, voltage is induced in the conductor. In order to make the voltage/current stronger, we can: Increase the strength of the magnet. Move the conductor faster through the flux.

The motor effect / Flemings Left Hand Rule This is a way of finding the direction of movement. Take your left hand and arrange your thumb, first finger and second finger at right angles to each other. Point your first finger in the direction of the magnetic field (N to S), point your second finger in the direction of current flow (+ to -), your thumb now points in the direction of the movement. How do we keep the motor turning? The brush contacts and the commutator play and important part in this process. Every half turn they reverse the direction of current flow. Electromagnetic induction When a conductor cuts across magnetic field lines, current/voltage is induced in the conductor. In order to make current/voltage stronger, we need: Increase the strength of the magnet. Move the two poles of the magnet closer. Mover the conductor faster through the flux. Coil the wire and increase the number of turns.

What is the difference between the motor effect and induction? Motor: we have current and magnetic field and we create motion. Induction: we have motion and magnetic field and we create current. Coil the wire/more turns on the coil.

How a loud speaker works 1. A loudspeaker has a coil of wire wrapped round a tube. The tube with the coil of wire) fits loosely over the north-pole of a magnet. The coil can move in and out. 2. The current through the wire/coil comes from the amplifier of a radio, TV or tapeplayer. The current makes the coil become an electromagnet. 3. The current is an alternating current, meaning that it is constantly changing directions.

4. As the alternating current changes direction, the coil moves in and out. This makes the cone vibrate so it sends out a sound wave. 5. If the current changes at a frequency of 1000 hertz, you will hear a sound of frequency 1000 hertz. 6. The electrical/electromagnetic energy input appears as sound energy output. How a relay works 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The switch is closed. Circuit 1 is completed. The electromagnet is turned on. The soft iron armature is attracted to the magnet. The other side of the armature pushes the contacts together. The second circuit is complete. The motor starts running.

Circuit breakers When there is a surge of electricity, the iron rod is attracted to the electromagnet as the electromagnet has a stronger magnetic field. This causes a break in the circuit, stopping the current. The reset button is pushed out by the other side of the armature. to complete the circuit, the reset button needs to be pushed.