Homework Help: Magnetic Field Question

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
What is the underlying basis of the magnetic field in a magnetized piece of iron?

3. The attempt at a solution

I have absolutely no clue what this problem is asking or how to go about answering it.

Thanks in advance

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

Have you learned of anything that produces a magnetic field?

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

Such as the earth and electric current?

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

Yes, good.
An electric current is what again and might we find that in matter somehow? (I am leaving this vague for now)

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

Electric current is the rate of charge flow through a given point. I think we can find electric current in matter because there can be charges acting upon each other?

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

Okay.
Take a simplified view of the atom. Is there any current associated with this picture?

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

There can be if it has a charge?

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

Well, what is an atom composed of? Think of maybe the Bohr model, ie. no need for full on quantum here.

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

It is composed of protons, neutrons, electrons. Is charged atomic particles the answer to this question?

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

What about those electrons? Do they have motion about the nucleus?

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

Yes they move around the nucleus.

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

Do electrons have charge?

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

Yes they have a negative charge.

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

So you have a charge moving, is that a current?

Emily6 · Mar 25, 2007

Yes it is a current.

robb_ · Mar 25, 2007

Nice! Now you may want to flush this out further by considering the motion (orbit) of the electron and what the field would look like from this one "atom."