Magnets and Magnetism. Electromagnets

Check this website for amazing information about magnets and how we can use them:

The magnetic field of a bar magnet: a simple experiment with iron filings

Magnetic Fields

       

Bar Magnet                                         

          

Horseshoe magnet                              

Magnetic Forces

Check these videos to learn more about magnets and magnetism:

The Earth's magnetic field is called the magnetosphere and extends from the geographical South Pole to the geographical North Pole of the Earth and into the space. We can imagine the centre of the Earth as a giant bar magnet with its magnetic north pole pointing to the geographical South Pole of the Earth. The magnetosphere extends all around the Earth and into space and it is very important because it deflects solar radiation that otherwise would destroy our atmosphere. The Earth's Magnetic field also allows us to navigate by using a compass.

We can imagine the Earth as a giant bar magnet in which the north pole points to the geographical South Pole

 Watch this video to learn more about the Earth's Magnetic Field.

An experiment: How to make a compass

ELECTROMAGNETISM

Electricity and magnetism are two aspects of the same force, which is called electromagnetism. This connection was discovered by Hans Christian Oersted in 1820, when he noticed that his compass was affected when an electric current was switched on and off nearby. Here you have a video that replicates Oersted's experiment:

ELECTROMAGNETS

Here you have a basic electromagnet made from an iron rod wrapped in coils of electric wire. When the electricity flows through the wire, it turns the iron rod into an electromagnet. When the electricity is switched off, the iron rod stops being magnetic.

How to make a powerful electromagmet: it lifts 5 Kg!

USES OF MAGNETS:

Everyday uses of magnets

Maglev Trains: how do they work?

Just for fun: ten simple tricks using magnets