Explaining the Repulsion of an Electromagnet on Metals

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of an electromagnet potentially repelling an iron block, exploring the conditions under which this might occur, particularly focusing on the roles of magnetization and eddy currents in different metals. The scope includes theoretical explanations and practical demonstrations related to electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that an electromagnet can only repel an iron block if the block is already magnetized.
  • Others argue that the electromagnet magnetizes the iron block, leading to attraction rather than repulsion, questioning how repulsion could occur without an external field.
  • A participant references a video demonstrating an electromagnet repelling an iron block without an external field, suggesting the need for further explanation of this phenomenon.
  • Another participant explains that with ferromagnetic metals, the interaction is always attractive, while with conductive metals like copper and aluminum, repulsion occurs due to induced eddy currents.
  • The explanation includes that the magnetic field from the electromagnet induces currents in nearby metals, which can create opposing magnetic fields that lead to repulsion, as described by Lenz's Law.
  • Additional context is provided about the demonstration setup, including the use of a transformer from a microwave oven and the power source used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether an electromagnet can repel an iron block, with some asserting that it can only attract ferromagnetic materials, while others suggest that repulsion is possible under certain conditions with conductive metals. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions that lead to repulsion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about the types of metals involved and the specific configurations of the electromagnet and the objects being tested. The mathematical and physical principles mentioned are not fully explored or settled.

akashverma
Messages
34
Reaction score
0
Can it be possible that an electromagnet would repel a iron block?? if yes then please explain.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Only if the iron block is magnetized.
 
Integral said:
Only if the iron block is magnetized.
according to me the iron block will be magnetized by the field of electromagnet in such a way that it will attract it and if there is no external field then how will it be possible that an electromagnet repels an iron block??
I saw a video on youtube where electromagnet repels an iron block without any external field.
 
akashverma said:
according to me the iron block will be magnetized by the field of electromagnet in such a way that it will attract it and if there is no external field then how will it be possible that an electromagnet repels an iron block??
I saw a video on youtube where electromagnet repels an iron block without any external field.

If you notice, the electromagnet attracted the iron hammer.
The silver cylinder and slab are aluminum, as stated in the comments section by the author.

The author's explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/profile_redirector/103932266793618344395
21 hours ago
Why can it also push of metal things? And on what does it depend if it pull in or push of?

http://www.youtube.com/profile_redirector/111021059413939523708[the author]
20 hours ago

With ferromagnetic metals, always attractive (pull).

With other conductive metals (copper, aluminum) push, because of eddy currents.

The electromagnet generates a magnetic field. That magnetic field induces a current on the metals that are near. If the metal is open that currents only will flow in small local circles, but if you close the ring the current will flow around the hole ring. That current will generate a magnetic field, because moving charges generate magnetic fields (Oersted, Ampere) and that magnetic field opposes to the former one, the one from the electromagnet (Lenz's Law). This is why the ring is repelled.​

Other facts from the comments section:
This is a transformer from a microwave oven.
The author powered the coil with 240 vac.​

Interesting demonstration. I've only ever seen static magnets used to demonstrate this effect.

The author, according to their twitter account, is from Zaragoza, Spain.
"DIY, science, technology, experiments, physics, chemistry, ETC"​

I like that guy. Someone should invite him to PF. :)
 
OmCheeto said:
If you notice, the electromagnet attracted the iron hammer.
The silver cylinder and slab are aluminum, as stated in the comments section by the author.

The author's explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/profile_redirector/103932266793618344395
21 hours ago
Why can it also push of metal things? And on what does it depend if it pull in or push of?

http://www.youtube.com/profile_redirector/111021059413939523708[the author]
20 hours ago

With ferromagnetic metals, always attractive (pull).

With other conductive metals (copper, aluminum) push, because of eddy currents.

The electromagnet generates a magnetic field. That magnetic field induces a current on the metals that are near. If the metal is open that currents only will flow in small local circles, but if you close the ring the current will flow around the hole ring. That current will generate a magnetic field, because moving charges generate magnetic fields (Oersted, Ampere) and that magnetic field opposes to the former one, the one from the electromagnet (Lenz's Law). This is why the ring is repelled.​

Other facts from the comments section:
This is a transformer from a microwave oven.
The author powered the coil with 240 vac.​

Interesting demonstration. I've only ever seen static magnets used to demonstrate this effect.

The author, according to their twitter account, is from Zaragoza, Spain.
"DIY, science, technology, experiments, physics, chemistry, ETC"​

I like that guy. Someone should invite him to PF. :)
Got the point.. thank you man and this setup is one of the tremendous setup i have ever watched.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
939
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K