Unit Three: Magnetic Fields

Question 1

What is a magnetic field?

Answer 1

A region where magnetic materials (like iron and steel) and also wires carrying currents experience a force acting on them

Question 2

How do you make an electromagnet?

Answer 2

By adding a magnetically “soft” iron core through the middle of the coil

Question 3

What’s a solenoid?

Answer 3

The magnetic field inside a coil of wire (strong and uniform)

Question 4

Give an example of a magnet you can turn on and off:

Answer 4

A crane for lighting iron and steel:
•The magnets can be used to attract and pick up things made from magnetic materials like iron and steel
•If an ordinary magnet was used, the crane wouldn’t be able to drop the object
•Can be switched on and off