Magnetism scenario: magnet attracted to iron wall

In summary, the magnetic field lines leave the iron wall when they reach the other pole, and for attraction to occur, both objects must have opposite poles facing each other and be within a magnetic field.
  • #1
sgstudent
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Hi when a good former explained a theory, I didn't understand this very well. So I'll check it out again. Sorry for the many posts my me and thanks!

When a magnet is placed vertically to an iron wall it gets attracted.(meaning the north and south poles are in contact with the iron wall). Since it gets attracted to it and sticks to it does it mean that the magnetic field line leaves the iron wall when it 'sees' the other end of the pole? Because if the magnetic field continues on, then there won't be any north/south pole in the area and there song be any attraction.

Secondly, for any attraction to happen are the two conditions- must have pole opposite to the magnet facing you. Must be within a magnetic field. If one of these conditions are not met, then the thing will not be attracted. Is this right? I deduced it due to the idea that if u put a thin iron sheet in between a bar magnet and some tack the tack won't be attracted but the iron bar will be attracted to the magnet. I thinkso because even though a pole is facing the tack, due to magnetic shielding little magnetic field lines will pass through it. While the magnet attracts the iron sheet as there is both a magnetic field and av pole there.

Thanks for the help and please try to answer both questions. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Yes, the magnetic field does leave the iron wall when it “sees” the other end of the pole. It is important to note that the magnetic field lines form a closed loop, meaning the field lines will enter the magnet at one pole and then exit the magnet at the other pole. This is why there is still an attraction when one pole is facing the iron wall and the other pole is facing away. The two conditions for attraction are that there must be a pole opposite to the magnet facing you, and that both objects must be within a magnetic field. If either of these conditions is not met, then there will not be any attraction. This is why placing a thin iron sheet between a bar magnet and some tack will prevent the tack from being attracted. The iron sheet blocks the magnetic field, so the tack is no longer within a magnetic field and thus the attraction is not possible.
 

1. How does magnetism attract iron?

Magnetism is a force that is created by the movement of electrons. When a magnet is brought near an iron object, the magnetic field of the magnet causes the electrons in the iron to align and create a temporary magnetic field. This temporary magnetic field then attracts the magnet, causing the two objects to stick together.

2. Why does a magnet stick to an iron wall?

An iron wall is made up of many tiny iron particles that can easily align their electrons in response to a magnetic field. When a magnet is brought close to the iron wall, the magnetic field of the magnet causes the electrons in the iron particles to align, creating a temporary magnetic field that attracts the magnet and causes it to stick to the wall.

3. Can a magnet attract any type of metal?

No, a magnet can only attract certain types of metals, including iron, nickel, and cobalt. This is because these metals have the ability to be magnetized, meaning their electrons can easily align in response to a magnetic field. Other metals, such as aluminum and copper, do not have this ability and therefore cannot be attracted by a magnet.

4. Why does a magnet attract iron but not other materials?

The attraction between a magnet and iron is due to the alignment of electrons in both objects. When a magnet is brought close to iron, the magnet's magnetic field causes the electrons in the iron to align, creating a temporary magnetic field that attracts the two objects together. However, other materials do not have the ability to align their electrons in the same way, so they are not attracted to the magnet.

5. How strong is the force between a magnet and an iron wall?

The strength of the force between a magnet and an iron wall depends on the strength of the magnet's magnetic field and the distance between the two objects. The closer the magnet is to the iron wall, the stronger the force will be. Additionally, a stronger magnet will have a stronger magnetic field and therefore a stronger force of attraction to the iron wall.

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