What is a Magnet | Principle, Definition, Types

what is magnet

What is a Magnet

What is a Magnet- The path that the magnetic force lines follow or generate is called a magnetic circuit. The magnetic material of the flux is usually made of soft iron in a closed circuit. In a magnetic circuit, like an electric circuit, instead of voltage, and resistance, magnetic carriers, flux and enthalpy are used.

The brown colored magnetite (Fe, O.) stone found in nature is called magnet. This stone was first found in Asia in a place called Magnesia. Hence it was named magnetite. The word magnetite was simplified and remained magnet. In India this stone is found in the states of Tamil Nadu and Orissa. Magnet is called magnet in Hindi language. The property of a magnet is called its magnetism.

Properties of Magnet

Following properties are found in magnets-

(i) It attracts iron filings towards itself. Those two parts of the magnet, where most of the iron filings stick, are called poles.

(ii) A freely suspended magnet stays in the north-south direction. The north finding end of a magnet is called the north pole and the south pole. Due to this directional property of the magnet, it is also called the leading stone or load stone.

(iii) There is repulsion at the like poles of two magnets and attraction at the opposite poles.

(iv) If a magnet is repeatedly rubbed on an iron rod, it also becomes a magnet.

(v) When a magnet is heated red and cooled down, its magnetization decreases or ends.

Principle of Magnetism

We know that every substance is made up of tiny particles called molecules. Molecules of some substances behave as independent magnets. In the normal state, these molecules are randomly scattered in matter and they neutralize each other’s effect. As a result, the general picture: 1 In the magnetized and demagnetized states of iron, matter does not have magnetism. When the external magnetic field starts acting on the material, then its molecular magnets start getting arranged in the direction of the magnetic field. When all the molecules are arranged in the direction of the magnetic field, the substance becomes a magnet.
The magnetic property present in molecules arises due to the orbital and spin motion of the electrons present in its atoms. This is called the molecular theory of magnets.

Types of Magnets

Magnets can be classified into the following two main categories.

(a) Natural magnet
(b) Artificial magnet

1. Natural Magnet : Magnetite stone found in nature is called natural magnet. Its shape is irregular and its magnetic field intensity is also very low. Now they are no longer used.

2. Artificial magnets: Magnets made from iron, magnetic metals and alloys of iron are called artificial magnets. These are of two types –

(i) Permanent : There are permanent magnets whose magnetism remains for many years. These are made of steel or alloys of magnetic metals. The alloying metals are made by mixing aluminum, nickel, iron, copper and cobalt in the ratio 8:14:15:3:24. It is called Alnico or Alconex. In the beginning, magnets were made by the ‘frictional action’ of the magnet on the iron rod, but nowadays the rods of steel or alloys are in the shape of a cylindrical or horseshoe shape, in the middle of a coil carrying a strong current.

(ii) Temporary: Electromagnets made of soft iron are called temporary magnets. These are made in many sizes as per the requirement. The magnetism of a temporary magnet exists only as long as current flows through its coil.

Read More :-


what did you learn today :-

Now you must have come to know What is a Magnet, Properties of Magnet, Principle of Magnetism, Types of Magnets. You must have got the answer of all these questions very well.

I hope that you have liked the information given by me, if you have any question / suggestion in your mind, then you can tell me by commenting below, I will definitely answer your comment. If you liked this post then you can also share it with your friends and relatives.

Leave a comment