Why is a metallic ball attracted to an electromagnet?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the attraction of a metallic ball to an electromagnet, specifically addressing the nature of magnetic forces and whether they can do work. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and technical explanations related to magnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that magnetic forces do not do work and act perpendicularly to the direction of movement.
  • Others, including Aceix, argue that when a magnetic material enters a magnetic field, its electrons align, creating a magnetic dipole that results in a net attractive force, suggesting that work is done on the object.
  • A later reply emphasizes that while the magnetic force on a moving charge is perpendicular to its velocity and does no work, this does not apply to the scenario of the metallic ball and the magnet, supporting Aceix's view.
  • One participant expresses strong disapproval of the claim that magnetic fields cannot do work, suggesting a need for accountability for spreading such ideas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views on whether magnetic forces can do work, with some supporting the idea and others contesting it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights differing interpretations of how magnetic forces interact with materials and the conditions under which work may be considered to be done, but does not resolve these interpretations.

tecnica
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I always heard that magnetic forces don't do work, and that they act perpendicularly to the direction of movement.
 
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tecnica said:
I always heard that magnetic forces don't do work, and that they act perpendicularly to the direction of movement.

that's not true. when a magnetic material enters a magnetic field, it electrons align to the field such that it creates a magnetic dipole in which unlike poles become complementary and hence there i a net attractive magnetic force on the object. so it does work on it.

Aceix.
 
The magnetic force on a moving charge is at right angles to the velocity of then charge, and so does no work on it. But neither the metal ball nor the magnet is a moving charge. In this case, it is as Aceix says.
 
Whoever first claimed that a magnetic field can do no work needs to be arrested, tried, and shot for crimes against the minds of our youth.
 
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