What is Magnet: Definition and 907 Discussions

A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, etc. and attracts or repels other magnets.
A permanent magnet is an object made from a material that is magnetized and creates its own persistent magnetic field. An everyday example is a refrigerator magnet used to hold notes on a refrigerator door. Materials that can be magnetized, which are also the ones that are strongly attracted to a magnet, are called ferromagnetic (or ferrimagnetic). These include the elements iron, nickel and cobalt and their alloys, some alloys of rare-earth metals, and some naturally occurring minerals such as lodestone. Although ferromagnetic (and ferrimagnetic) materials are the only ones attracted to a magnet strongly enough to be commonly considered magnetic, all other substances respond weakly to a magnetic field, by one of several other types of magnetism.
Ferromagnetic materials can be divided into magnetically "soft" materials like annealed iron, which can be magnetized but do not tend to stay magnetized, and magnetically "hard" materials, which do. Permanent magnets are made from "hard" ferromagnetic materials such as alnico and ferrite that are subjected to special processing in a strong magnetic field during manufacture to align their internal microcrystalline structure, making them very hard to demagnetize. To demagnetize a saturated magnet, a certain magnetic field must be applied, and this threshold depends on coercivity of the respective material. "Hard" materials have high coercivity, whereas "soft" materials have low coercivity. The overall strength of a magnet is measured by its magnetic moment or, alternatively, the total magnetic flux it produces. The local strength of magnetism in a material is measured by its magnetization.
An electromagnet is made from a coil of wire that acts as a magnet when an electric current passes through it but stops being a magnet when the current stops. Often, the coil is wrapped around a core of "soft" ferromagnetic material such as mild steel, which greatly enhances the magnetic field produced by the coil.

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  1. T

    Can Magnets and Motors Work Together?

    What would happen if you were two create something like in the photo. Lets just say that the magnets on the right are on the axle that's connected with motor. While the other magnets to right are on an axle. Would the magnets on the motor drive the other one?
  2. V

    From where come first magnet?

    If electricity possible to made only by using magnets (Lorence force) then how electricity was maded for creating with electromagnets the permanent magnets? Any history regards this? If magnets was taken from earth, then me bothering question how strong magnetic properties they have? And how...
  3. M

    Oscillation of a bar magnet

    Please help, if a magnet is displaced from its equilibrium position by a small angle (theta), show that it will oscillate with a period T given by T= 2*pi*sqrt(I/mB) I = moment of inertia of the bar magnet and equals M(L^2 + a^2)/12 B = Earth's horizontal component of magnetic field M is...
  4. A

    Electromagnetic Radiation from a Rotating Magnet

    I know that accelerated charges give off electromagnetic radiation, but does an accelerated (spinning) magnet give off electromagnetic radiation as well? If so, what is the energy loss from the magnet's kinetic energy?
  5. W

    Stable Magnet Energy What's their source?

    I've been trying to find the answer to a question i have online but haven't had much luck. Where did Stable or Pertinent magnets get their energy from? I've read plenty of people saying "magnets don't acquire or release energy" but that doesn't make sense to me. Let's use this scenario...
  6. G

    North pole and south pole of a magnet.

    Hi, I am wondering what determines where these are on a magnetic object. For instance, on a sphere, why should there be a north pole and south pole at points rather than others. To make myself clearer, I am not asking why the south and north are opposite each other, but what determines those...
  7. D

    How Can I Measure the Strength of a Magnet for Building a Larger Levitron?

    I was puzzling the Levitron today, and was trying to figure out what the magnets involved strength was, on the off chance that I may build a larger one for kicks. However, after some moderate googling, it doesn't seem like figuring out the strength of a magnet is a quick or 'easy' task...
  8. K

    Will this linear generator (NIB magnet) work to light infrared pulses?

    Hi. I want to make an assembly in which when one clicks a switch, it lights an infrared LED for 1/30 of a second. Basically, instead of having a switch and a battery, i use a linear generator as a switch, giving current only when pressed to light LED. Like any linear generators, when one...
  9. E

    Low speed permanent magnet snychronous generator

    Homework Statement A permanent magnet synchronous generator (as used in the wind industry) develops 5MW of electricity at 12 RPM; What amount of mechanical torque would be required to turn this generator at 12 RPM.? These generators are said to be 95% efficient Homework Equations...
  10. F

    What makes a magnet, a magnet?

    What makes a magnet, a magnet? Ok... I know about polarity and all that. I just don't get why certain elements and compounds aren't magnetic. For example, why isn't an apple magnetic? Thats a little extreme but I think you get the point :smile:
  11. B

    Calc. field gradient of Stern-Gerlach magnet

    Homework Statement From Townsend "Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics", problem 1.1: "Determine the field gradient of a 50-cm long Stern-Gerlach magnet that would produce a 1 mm separation at the detector between spin-up and spin-down silver atoms that are emitted from an oven at T=1500K...
  12. PrincePhoenix

    Why does elecricity kill? What causes a magnet to be a magnet?

    Just a couple of simple questions. 1-Why does electricity kill? 2-What causes a magnet to be a magnet and certain things magnetic?
  13. G

    Working model of a permanent magnet?

    I know this may sound strange. Has anyone ever successfully created a working physical model of a magnet that exhibits the same properties ("flux" lines and attraction) without using magnetic materials or electrical influence? Thanks G
  14. R

    Are Neodymium Magnets Polarized and Shaped Like This?

    Do neodymium magnets polarized like this and with this same shape exist? http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Bar_magnet.jpg
  15. E

    How would you use a magnet to test whether or not a piece of metal was magnetic?

    just wondering if its a sneaky answer or just as simple as put a magnet next to it?
  16. F

    Is This Magnet Motor Doomed to Fail?

    Can you please tell me whether you think this magnet motor will work or not? If not then what is the reason why not. Most magnet motors seem to have a bad press, so I don't hold much hope for this one: http://www.flantoons.co.uk/magnet-motor001.jpg Thank you. Mike UK
  17. N

    Dropping bar magnet through loop of wire

    Ok I have 2 questions about this. So I know that a current is induced when the magnetic field changes near the wire. So say I dropped the magnet North end up and South end down through this wire, the current would increase as it was nearing it, and decrease as it leaves it. 1) is this...
  18. J

    Can a shorter magnet produce the same current as a taller magnet in a solenoid?

    Greetings, The other day while working on my car I began thinking about solenoids and how they work, but I think I may have confused myself. It's been a while since I've studied magnetism, but I remember that the current through a wire loop, and thus a solenoid as well, is dependent on the...
  19. G

    Calculating Magnet Forces at an Angle: Formulas and Book Suggestions

    I am trying to calculate how much forces is between two magnets, but the catch is they will be approaching each other at an angle. I have found plenty of information using the model of two magnets heading end to end, but am not sure if the formulas change when the magnets are not in that...
  20. N

    Max Magnetic Field of Micro-Electromagnets | 0.5 Tesla?

    Hi all, I was wondering if anyone knew, or if anyone knows where I can find, the maximum magnetic field that a micro - electromagnet can put off... I am sure this depends on a lot, but I just need an estimation as I am running a simulation and need a typical value. I ran the simulation with...
  21. T

    Specific questions about permanent magnet production

    I would like to know if anyone here has ever been involved in permanent magnet production, and more specifically, with the sintering process. What temperature must a NdFeB magnet be heated to for sintering and also, how do you determine the length of time you sinter for? What kind of density...
  22. K

    Permanent magnet alternators on Japanese vehicles?

    I am incorporating a solar chimney in my house build in Thailand, this will have a venturi to create the suction for removing warm air from the building and I intend to use this high air speed area to generate electricity. As air speed will be dependant on the Sun and not the more fickle wind...
  23. B

    Force on a Permanent Magnet Falling through a Coil

    What is the drag force on a magnet falling through a coil? I have found several sources online describing the drag force on a magnet falling through a conductive pipe. How might this vary if a coil is used in place of a pipe? Does the coil need to be connected to a circuit to create this force?
  24. P

    Exploring the Effects of a Bar Magnet & Solenoid

    1. The problem statement, all given/known data A bar magnet is positioned at the mouth of a solenoid. The current indicated in the solenoid is then turned on. (Assume the solenoid is a lot bigger than the bar magnet.) Gravity and friction can be ignored. Describe what would happen, and...
  25. I

    A Solenoid, a Moving Magnet, and a Light Bulb -- Will the Light Bulb LIght Up?

    Homework Statement "A light bulb is connected to a coil of wire. If a magnet is passed back and forth through the coil the bulb will light up. Why?"Homework Equations The Lenz Law isn't really an equation, but it states that: "The magnetic field of the induced current is in a direction to...
  26. J

    Rare earth magnet for solenoid core

    Hi, I am trying to design a simple water valve that opens a plug in a small water reservoir until its empty. So far I have a solenoid coil wound around a hollow core plastic pipe with a cylindrical rare Earth magnet inserted halfway into the pipe with a 'plug' attached to the top of the other...
  27. Z

    Magnet and Current-carrying wire/circuit

    Hi all Can you assist - I think that I am on the right track - but then I could be wrong.. Homework Statement Predict which direction the wire will move Homework Equations Right hand rule The Attempt at a Solution Current flows from positive to negative. Right hand...
  28. C

    The way Lenz force can accelerate a magnet

    Hello. I have problems with the Faraday and Lenz laws. Not problems with their definitions (they are OK), but with the usual assumptions and relation with conservation of energy: The definition of these two laws states: - Faraday law: The induced electromotive force or EMF in any closed...
  29. C

    Deriving equation for the magnetic field of a variable gap magnet

    I'm being asked to derive the equation for the magnetic field produced by a variable gap magnet. I've been given a few clues, but thus far have been unable to actually complete the derivation. The final equation should be: B_{ext}=\frac{mg}{lR}\left(\frac{d}{i}\right) I'm told I need to...
  30. V

    If you cut a magnet in two, why do you get two magnets?

    Maybe cut isn't the best word, but you get what I mean. Surely if all the negative polar molecules move to one side of the magnet and the positive polar molecules move to the other side, and you cut the magnet in the middle, you shouldn't get two more magnets? I'm still only doing high...
  31. F

    Electrifying a permanent magnet

    What happens, and why? (This isn't homework, just curiosity.) To be more precise, what would happen to the magnetic field of the magnet if we passed a current through it (assuming it is conductive). Will the current disrupt the magnetic domains? Will the magnetization disappear?
  32. T

    Magnet experiment performed by a math major (yikes)

    Let me first explain my situation here... I'm a math major and out of all the sciences, physics is my least favorite, but I have to take this science class that forces you to design your own experiments. Math is used in physics all the time, but I have a really hard time connecting math to...
  33. ZX.Liang

    Does Magnetic Field Corotate with Magnet?

    Whether the magnetic field corotates with the magnet or not when a magnet rotates around its own magnetic axis is a problem which is known as unipolar induction and has been debated for a century. Someone thinks that the magnetic field can rotate together with the magnet, but the others don’t...
  34. I

    Understanding Induced Movement of Coil and Magnet

    What is the answer? Should be B Please Explain the reason behind I don't understand how an induced Magnetic Field will cause the coil to move. (Not Homework)Source:tycphysics.org/TIPERs/TIPER%206_20_02_keys%20pdf/EMI%205a_Key_6_02.pdf thanks for helping
  35. T

    What is the magnitude of the normal force of the table on the lower magnet?

    Homework Statement What is the magnitude of the normal force of the table on the lower magnet? (so there is a table with a magnet on top and below its surface) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution So i was wondering if someone could help me figure out all of the forces acting...
  36. S

    Does stacking magnets affect their weight on a scale?

    I have a question concerning magnets. Lets say i have 2 magnets each wieghing 1 gram each sitting on a scale. The scale reads 2 grams. What if i was able to stack the magnets by lining up the same poles so they repel each other and the magnet on top was floating over the magnet on the bottom...
  37. B

    Help- can I shield a magnet so it won't damage my phone?

    I feel a little silly for posting this rather mundane question- but I really am at then end of my (limited) wits. I have an iPhone, and there is a rather strong magnet on my favorite purse (I believe it is a neodymium magnet, but don't know for sure). I have been researching this issue online...
  38. J

    Force acting on a permanent magnet

    http://www.geocities.com/sc_cannon/filxb.bmp A wire carrying a current I has a magnetic field from a permanent magnet crossing it at right angles. The force on the wire is equal to the cross product of Current Length with the Magnetic Field, B. What is the force experienced by the...
  39. C

    Ur in a room with a magnet and an iron bar how do u know which one is the magnet

    ur in a room with 2 iron bars one is a magnet and the other is not , they are the same shape and size , how do u tell which one is the magnet and all u have is the 2 bars to test this nothing else in the room.
  40. U

    Does a magnet radiate a line force or piont force

    I am working on a project, using magnets, and I am having trouble figuring out how to orient that magnets. I plan on lining a rotor and an armature with magnets. The magnets should repel off of each other and begin spinning, and before I hear this again, not that I don't appreciate you...
  41. Mentallic

    Magnet Fields Dilemma: Moving vs. Still Charge

    A moving electric charge (moving relative to another object) will create a magnetic field around it. So if this charge moves passed a permanent magnet, their fields will interact and cause a force (basic principle of the motor effect). However, if the electric charge is standing still in...
  42. P

    Magnet faling near an iron wll

    I posted this in general math, but then I saw that calculus and analysis was a more appropriate place for it. I am looking for a solution to this problem: When a magnet is dropped from rest near an iron wall, it accelerates downward due to gravity at constant acceleration. It also...
  43. P

    Magnet falling near an iron wall

    When a magnet is dropped from rest near an iron wall, it accelerates downward due to gravity at constant acceleration. It also accelerates toward the wall, and the closer it gets to the wall, the greater the acceleration. Can anyone refer me to a solution that would give the position of the...
  44. H

    Demagnetization of a permanent magnet

    When we magnetize a ferromagnetic material, we provide an input of energy. Is it possible to demagnetize a magnet, and convert a fraction of the energy to usable work? (Of course, this is not a useful way to generate work, and some fraction of the input energy is lost)
  45. H

    Hollow Spherical Magnet: Construction, Magnetic Field and Interactions Explained

    Is it possible, thematically or practically, to construct a hollow spherical magnet with inner surface and external surface of opposite polarity? How would the magnetic field looks like? Assuming it is possible, what would happened if I place a smaller hollow spherical magnet, but of the...
  46. C

    Magnetic fields such as a field from a neodymium magnet?

    Is there a material that blocks or reflects magnetic fields such as a field from a neodymium magnet?
  47. H

    Motor which operate solely on magnet and gravity?

    I received an assignment from my professor which sounds like follow: "Suggest a motor which operates only on magnets and gravitational force." While I did make a search online and found some model which seems to work, I am sill a little skeptical (There are videos online, but none of them...
  48. H

    Can I calculate magnetic force of a magnet?

    Is there a way of calculating how much force can be applied to an object if you are given the magnetic field strength of an electromagnetic? For example, if an electromagnet produces a B field of 4T, what is the maximum mass of iron it can hold? And also, how does one calculate the...
  49. Z

    Permanent magnet DC Generator questions

    Hello, I'm a mechanical engineering student currently working on a project which involves a compressed air motor and a Permanent magnet DC generator. I have this generator : http://www.windstreampower.com/443905_PMDCG.php Basically, we'll use the generator power output to determine the...
  50. S

    What is permanent magnet B field equation?

    I'm looking for an equation to calculate Tesla (B) between two permanent magnets with distance of 10mm. Magnets are located in front of each other; disk shape and intensity of each is 1.3T in its core, and 0.6T on surface, so I'm interested how to calculate the B between them in distance of...
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