Permanent Magnet vs. Electromagnet: What's the Difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between permanent magnets and electromagnets, exploring their definitions, properties, and methods of magnetization. Participants also touch on related topics such as the materials that can be magnetized and the processes involved in creating magnets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants explain that a permanent magnet retains its magnetic field without an external power source, while an electromagnet requires electric current to generate a magnetic field.
  • There is a discussion about the materials suitable for making permanent magnets, with some stating that iron can be magnetized while others argue that steel is necessary due to its remanence.
  • One participant describes a method for creating a permanent magnet by heating iron and striking it, while others discuss the stroking method for magnetizing steel objects.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and properties of magnetic materials, with questions raised about the magnetization of copper and the concept of remanence.
  • Some participants clarify that permanent magnets do not have current flowing through them, though there are discussions about bound currents in magnetic domains.
  • There are multiple inquiries about how to create both permanent magnets and electromagnets at home, with varying responses regarding the feasibility and methods.
  • One participant mentions the need for a strong electromagnet to effectively magnetize materials, while others provide anecdotal experiences with magnetization techniques.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the properties of materials suitable for magnetization, the methods for creating magnets, and the definitions of magnetic phenomena. No consensus is reached on several points, particularly regarding the suitability of iron versus steel for permanent magnets.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding about the concepts discussed, indicating potential gaps in knowledge or differing interpretations of terms like remanence. Some statements rely on assumptions about material properties and methods that are not universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the fundamentals of magnetism, students seeking clarification on magnetic materials, and those curious about practical methods for creating magnets.

  • #31
Our teacher said that steel can not be magnetized..
 
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  • #32
Xidike said:
Our teacher said that steel can not be magnetized..

well your teacher is very wrong and needs to go back to school and learn some basic physics :)

I regularly magnetise my steel screwdrivers so that they can hold screws and get them into difficult to access places in equipment

Dave
 
  • #33
what is difference between steel and stainless steel ?
 
  • #34
how about doing a little research on your own instead of us spoon feeding you :)

type your question into google and see what you find

cheers
Dave
 
  • #35
I tried But Can not Understand :)
 
  • #36
What does the North pole and South pole of a magnet do ??
 
  • #37
Xidike said:
I tried But Can not Understand :)

what specifically didnt you understand ?

give an example


D
 
  • #38
It was written:
"In metallurgy, stainless steel is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5% chromium content by mass"

What Is metallurgy ?? What is Chromium ??
 
  • #39
type metallurgy into google

chromium is a metal
 
  • #40
What does the North pole and South pole of a magnet do ??
 
  • #41
Buckleymanor said:
Is iron not suitable to be made into a magnet but suitable to become an electro magnet.
What do you mean by remnance.

Do you have access to a computer? Have you tried Google for finding the meanings of words?
We're here to discuss things, not to spoon feed people.
[Edit: despite my abysmal spelling of the word, Google gives all you need to know when you add the term 'magnet']
 
Last edited:
  • #42
Xidike said:
What does the North pole and South pole of a magnet do ??

I think this is easily found on any site that explains magnets.
 
  • #43
sophiecentaur said:
Do you have access to a computer? Have you tried Google for finding the meanings of words?
We're here to discuss things, not to spoon feed people.
[Edit: despite my abysmal spelling of the word, Google gives all you need to know when you add the term 'magnet']
Google seems to contradict what you said that's why I asked or I have misunderstood.
Remanence or remanent magnetization is the magnetization left behind in a ferromagnetic material (such as iron) after an external magnetic field is removed.

Which is a quote from wiki ok it don't say how much or if any remnent of magnetisation is left behind but I reckon it's not zero like you stated because of the wording.
 
  • #44
OK. 'Soft Iron' has very low remanence and makes a very poor permanent magnet. It is also very easily magnetised whist the applied field is there. Perfect when you want to control the magnetic field (solenoid in a starter motor etc. or a relay). Steel is harder to magnetise and will remain magnetised. The right grade of steel of other ferromagnetic alloy is even harder to magnetise and will stay magnetised for longer (impervious to being bashed, for instance).
I don't think Wiki and I disagree, do we? The general term 'iron' doesn't always refer to soft iron but to cast iron, for instanceor 'iron age tools' - which have a higher remanence. You would have found that out if you had read around more, I am certain.
 
  • #45
What does the North pole and South pole of a magnet do ??
 
  • #46
What does wiki tell you?
 
  • #47
I read About Magnet on Wikipedia Can't find my answer :(
It was written
"For a bar magnet, the direction of the magnetic moment points from the magnet's south pole to its north pole"
What does it means ?
 
  • #48
Was wiki the only place you found anything about magnets? For some easy level info, include "key stage three" or "key stage four" in your google search.
 
  • #49
the compass which tells the direction of magnetic field, is the special type of compass or a normal compass ?
 
  • #50
Compass is so simple, elementary device that I can't imagine what the special one would be.
Or are you confusing magnetic compass with the one you use in geometry for drawing circles?
 
  • #51
How the compass tell the direction of north and south pole of a magnet ?
 
  • #52
xAxis said:
Compass is so simple, elementary device that I can't imagine what the special one would be.
Or are you confusing magnetic compass with the one you use in geometry for drawing circles?

Some 'English Pedantry' here. The thing you draw circles with is officially called a 'Pair of Compasses'. No idea why but the two things do actually have different names.

I am beginning to wonder just how much reading Xidike is doing. This stuff is described all over the Web at many different levels - and not only in English, I'm sure.
 
  • #53
Xidike said:
How the compass tell the direction of north and south pole of a magnet ?

Find out what a compass is made of.
 
  • #54
The Compass I have, I don't know of which material it is made of.. But when I take my magnet near to it,, it does not attract the magnet,, but the needle of compass is affected by the magnet..
 
  • #55
Xidike said:
How the compass tell the direction of north and south pole of a magnet ?

You are still asking questions about stuff you could have easily found out for yourself. I did a quick search and, amongst an avalanche of useful sites, I found this one which has answers to all of your questions, afaics. HERE. Please read this thoroughly before asking any more questions.
 
  • #56
Thanks Man... That was a great article.. It increased my knowledge a lot about magnetism.. But I still Can't find my answer.. that how compass tell the direction of North And South Pole Of Earth And Magnet..
 
  • #57
Opposite poles attract. What does that tell you about a compass needle?
 
  • #58
Xidike said:
Thanks Man... That was a great article.. It increased my knowledge a lot about magnetism.. But I still Can't find my answer.. that how compass tell the direction of North And South Pole Of Earth And Magnet..

What about the diagram of magnetic field lines? Isn't that clear enough? I don't think you read carefully enough. The small compass needle lays along the lines.
 
  • #59
Drakkith said:
Opposite poles attract. What does that tell you about a compass needle?

I know that like poles repel each other and opposite attract each other..
Answer of my question was not there
 
  • #60
I am beginning to question your motives for posting on PF. Are you just trying to wind people up? (It's working, I think)
 

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