Factors That Affect The Strength of A Magnet

A magnet is an object that develops a magnetic field attracting the unlike poles (North and South) and repelling the like poles (North and North or South and South). All magnets have two poles: North and South. The magnetic field is a region created around the magnet responsible for the magnetic forces and magnet strength on the moving electric charges, electric currents, and magnetic materials. The magnetic field is a vector quantity, i.e., the moving charges experience the force perpendicular to their motion and magnetic field. After going through the article, you will have good knowledge about magnets, common facts about magnet strength, and many more.

Factors Affecting Magnetic Strength 

The factors affecting magnet strength are:

1.Steel Thickness

The steel thickness affects the absorption of magnetism. The magnet strength (performance and pull of magnet) can be impacted by the thickness of the steel surface on which the magnet applies the force. For example, if a magnet needs steel thickness to be 5 mm to apply its maximum magnet strength, then contacting the magnet to a higher thickness will result in a loss of magnetism.

2.Air Gaps 

Air gaps affect the magnetic circuit. An air gap is a space or void that is non-magnetic. Air gaps are created between the material, preventing magnetism from applying force on other substances and reducing the magnet strength. The main causes of air gaps can be if the steel used is rusty, dirty, painted, or distorted in shape and size.

3.Material

The material used affects the determination of magnetic strength. When we are testing the pull strength of a magnet, mild steel is used as contact steel because its ability to conduct magnetism is higher than the other metals such as cast iron or alloy steel. 

4.Sheer Force 

Sheer force is another important factor affecting magnet strength. Magnets can be removed far more easily if we slide the magnet from the surface rather than trying to pull it away from the surface. When we slide the magnet vertically, the phenomenon is known as sheer force.

5.Temperature 

Magnets depend on a particular temperature to work their best with maximum magnetic strength and force on the substance. If a magnet is heated beyond its operating temperature, its performance will decrease. In contrast, if a magnet is exposed to low temperatures, its magnetic strength and performance improve.

6.Heat

As discussed above, exposing a magnet to high temperatures that are more than its operating temperature reduces its magnetic strength and performance. Continuous exposure to heat reduces the magnet’s strength to perform and pull. Some magnets designed to work in high temperatures are Samarium Cobalt, Ferrite, and Alnico.

7.Corrosion

Magnets are used in every kind of environment. Those usually used in industries are exposed to outer weather conditions. When the weather is more humid or rainy, or the magnet comes in contact with the water, it becomes rustier, which reduces the magnet strength.

Factors Affecting the Electromagnetic Strength 

1.Number of Loops 

Electromagnets are the formation of solenoids, i.e., a coil of wire is wrapped around a metal core made of iron. The coil is made of wire loops, and the more loops added, the stronger the magnetic field is and vice versa.

2.The Metal Core

An electromagnet can get weaker or stronger, according to the metal inside the coil. If the metal inside the coil is iron or neodymium, it magnifies or increases the electromagnetic strength. If the metal inside the coil is steel, then weaker magnetic fields are created.

3.Battery Current 

The change in the amount of current flowing through the electromagnet changes the magnetic field created around it. The magnetic field is directly proportional to the current; the stronger the current, the more the magnetic field around it, and vice versa.

4.Wire Size

The wire used affects the electromagnet on two factors that are size and type. Using larger gauges of wire results in an increase in current, and therefore, the magnetic field increases. Using smaller gauges decreases the current, and therefore, the magnetic field decreases. Using different materials of wire also affects the electromagnetic strength.

Conclusion

So now you have detailed knowledge about magnet strength and factors affecting different magnetic strength. Knowing what increases or decreases the magnetic strength helps in many emerging technologies and new experiments. Some common facts about magnet strength are that it always will have two poles even if you cut it in half. This article also provides you with a piece of brief knowledge about electromagnets and the factors affecting their strength.