4.Main Content
Electromagnetism
Introduction
From simple field patterns of bar magnets through to the laws of electromagnetic induction.
Seeing one ring magnet suspended above another provides a vivid example of a force acting at a distance. It invites questions that can only be answered by pure theory.
Then there are engineering applications of magnetism, such as the variety of clever electromagnetic machines used everywhere in industrial societies. Or magnetic materials used for computer hard drives, repeatedly magnetised and demagnetised at tiny length scales. Altogether, a wealth of experiments to engage students and stimulate thinking.
Image courtesy of Jan Curtis.
Experiment collections
- Permanent magnets
- Magnetic fields due to currents in wires
- Electromagnets and their uses
- Forces on moving charges
- Electromagnetic induction
- Transformers
Guidance
- Exhibiting magnetic field patterns
- Simple theory of permanent magnetism
- Explaining how a transformer works
Updated 22 Oct 2008
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