How does a DC current polarize

AI Thread Summary
DC current polarizes metal by maintaining a constant polarity, allowing the material's atoms to align and acquire magnetic properties. In contrast, AC current alternates polarity, disrupting the alignment process and preventing effective magnetization. The discussion highlights that polarization is essential for creating a magnetic field, as seen in the North and South poles. The consistent flow of DC current facilitates this alignment, while the fluctuating nature of AC current hinders it. Thus, DC is necessary for effective polarization in magnetic materials.
jsmith613
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from my understanding polarization is a way of causing objects to be diametrically opposed (North and South poles for example)

What I don't understand is how a DC current polarizes a metal. Obviously for something to be magnetic it MUST be polarized but why does a DC current have to be used, why can't it be an AC current?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
An AC current when coiled around a magnetic capable material continually switches poles with each repeating cycle. This disrupts the magnetizing process. A DC current keeps the same polarity so that the material can align its atoms and so take on the magnetic property.
 

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