Attraction between a magnetic field and iron

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SUMMARY

Iron is attracted to a magnet not due to a differential magnetic field strength, but because the external magnetic field aligns the internal magnetic dipoles within the iron, effectively turning it into a magnet. This interaction occurs as the iron becomes magnetized and then responds to the external magnetic field. To calculate the force on the iron object, one must consider the principles of magnetism and the resulting magnetic dipole moment rather than relying on field strength differentials.

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  • Understanding of magnetic fields and forces
  • Familiarity with magnetic dipoles and their alignment
  • Basic knowledge of paramagnetism
  • Ability to apply equations related to magnetic forces
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Anthony physics
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This seems simple but i cannot find an answer anywhere. First off: is iron attracted to a magnet because the field strength on the side of the iron object closest to the magnet is stronger than the one furthest? And if this is true, how can one use this "differential" magnetic field to calculate the force on the iron object? If this is not the way to do it, how can i calculate the force regardless? Is there an equation or something?
Thanks
 
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is iron attracted to a magnet because the field strength on the side of the iron object closest to the magnet is stronger than the one furthest?
No.
The external field aligns the internal magnetic dipoles: the lump of iron becomes a magnet and then interacts with the external field like any magnet would.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramagnetism
 

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