Transcript Chapter 6

Chapter 6
Magnets and Magnetism
Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able
to:
• Describe various types of magnets
• Describe the nature of magnetic fields and
forces
• Explain the theories of magnetism
Objectives (cont’d.)
• List the various uses for magnetism and
methods of controlling magnetic forces
• Explain the relationship between
magnetism and electricity
Magnets
• Materials that attract other metals
• Three classes: natural, artificial and
electromagnets
• Laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion
– Like magnetic poles repel each other
– Unlike magnetic poles attract each other
– The closer together the magnets, the greater
the attraction or repulsion
Magnetic Fields and Forces
• Magnetic lines of force
– Causes iron filings to form a pattern when
placed on paper over a magnet
• Magnetic field is the space in which a
magnetic force exists
Magnetic Theories
• Molecular theory of magnetism
– A magnetic substance is composed of
molecular magnets
• Electron theory of magnetism
– Magnetic field is produced by more electrons
spinning in one direction than the other
direction
Magnetic Materials
• Permanent magnets retain their magnetic
properties for many years
• Temporary magnets lose magnetism once
removed from magnetizing influence
• Magnetic Shields
– Magnetism passes through some materials
more readily than others
– Surrounding sensitive instruments with iron
provides a magnetic path around them
Electromagnetism
• An electric current produces a magnetic
field
• Left-hand rule for a single conductor
– Can determine direction of lines of force by
grasping conductor with left hand with thumb
in the direction of the current flow
• Fingers will point in the direction of lines of force
Electromagnetism (cont’d.)
• Magnetic forces
– If two magnetic forces are within reach of
each other, their fields will react according to
laws of attraction and repulsion
Electromagnetism (cont’d.)
• Left-hand rule for a coil
– Determine magnetic polarity of a coil by
grasping coil in left hand with fingers pointing
in direction of current flow
• Extended thumb will point in direction of lines of
force
Electromagnetism (cont’d.)
• Electromagnets
– Consist of a coil
– Magnetic force can be turned on and off with
the current
– Field strength can vary
– Inserting iron core into coil will increase field
strength
– Solenoid is electromagnet with movable core
Electromagnetism (cont’d.)
• Application of electromagnets
– Used for lifting large amounts of iron and steel
– Magnetic clutches to connect and disconnect
the load from the driving source
– Solenoids used to open and close valves
– Other examples: relays, circuit breakers and
door chimes
Magnetic Circuits and
Measurements
• Electromagnet strength depends on its
ability to conduct magnetism
• Amount of magnetic flux is measured in
maxwells (Mx)
• Magnetomotive force (mmf)
– Influences amount of flux produced in an
electromagnet; measured in gilberts (Gb)
Magnetic Circuits and
Measurements (cont’d.)
• Reluctance
– Opposition to the magnetic flux
• Permeability
– Ability of a material to conduct lines of force
• Electromagnet strength can be varied by
changing the mmf
– Increasing or decreasing coil current
Magnetic Circuits and
Measurements (cont’d.)
• Other factors to consider when designing
magnets
– Retentivity
– Residual magnetism
– Magnetic saturation
– These depend on type, size and length of the
core
Magnetic Circuits and
Measurements (cont’d.)
• Flux depends on mmf and reluctance and
can be calculated using the following
equation
Solenoids
• Type of electromagnet with moveable core
called armature
– Made by winding magnet wire on hollow fiber
or plastic form
– When coil is energized, the current’s magnetic
field pulls core into the coil
• Commonly used in doorbells (door chimes)
Summary
• Magnets can be classified into natural,
artificial or electromagnets
• Laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion
govern behavior
• Magnetic field is the space in which
magnetic force exists
• There are two main theories of
magnetism: molecular and electron
Summary (cont’d.)
• An electric current produces a magnetic
field; this fact is used in electromagnets
• Applications of electromagnets include
lifting large metal objects, clutches, and
opening and closing valves
• A solenoid is a type of electromagnet that
has a movable core in its coil
• Iron in the core increases the field strength