To induce magnetism, we need a magnet. Let us first understand what a magnet is. A magnet is any object that can generate its very own magnetic field. Any object or material can be a magnet if it can generate a field of its own. Every magnet has two poles on either side, namely the north and the south pole. A magnet attracts unlike poles while repelling like poles. We will now explore the definition of induced magnetism and other topics.
What is Magnetism?
When a magnet attracts or repels other magnetic objects, it is known as magnetism. Any magnet’s change in motion because of the other is also covered under this phenomenon. Magnetism is caused due to the motion of electrical charges. It is directly connected to the magnetic field of any magnet, as a magnetic object can only be influenced by a magnet when it is in its magnetic field.
Every magnetic field around a magnet has a magnetic force that is directly responsible for magnetism. This magnetic force is directly proportional to the distance from the magnet. This is because the magnetic force is influenced by the density of magnetic field lines. The denser they are, the stronger the field is, and since these field lines are densest at the poles, the magnetic force is also the strongest at the poles.
How Can You Magnetise a Metal?
To magnetise is to make any object behave like a magnet. To get something to behave like a magnet, we need to give it a magnetic field. Creating a magnetic field is easy as the electric current itself generates a magnetic field around the wire it is passing through. This magnet made by passing electric current is known as an electromagnet. These are the steps to make an electromagnet:
- Start by taking a metal rod to act as the field’s core.
- Next, while leaving a bit of wire loose on either end, wrap the rest of the copper wire around the rod as tightly as possible.
- Finally, connect each of the loose ends to a battery to let the current flow through the wire.
As the current passes through the wire on the rod, a magnetic field is generated, and your metal has been magnetised.
What is Induced Magnetism?
The definition of induced magnetism is explained as the process where any unmagnetised object gains temporary magnetic capabilities when it is put inside the magnetic field of any magnet.
When flux changes by Δ in Δt time, the formula of induced magnetism is given as: EMF=−N(ΔΦ/Δt).
What are Induced Magnets?
An induced magnet is an object which gains magnetic attributes through induced magnetism. An induced magnet does not have any magnetic features unless it is in the magnetic field of a magnet. Induced magnets quickly lose their magnetism when they have been deprived of the magnetic field of any magnet and simultaneously lose their magnetic capabilities.
How are Induced Magnets Different from Permanent Magnets?
These features differentiate induced magnets from permanent magnets:
- Induced magnets need another source of the magnetic field to get magnetised, whereas permanent magnets generate their magnetic fields.
- Induced magnets are temporary and can lose their magnetic nature, whereas permanent magnets cannot.
- Induced magnets can only be attracted by other magnets, while permanent magnets can either be attracted or repelled.
- Permanent magnets are much stronger than induced magnets.
Metals That Can Induce Magnetism
The following are the few metals that can induce magnetism:
- Iron
Represented by the symbol Fe, iron has the atomic number 26. It belongs to the first transition series. By mass, it is the most common element on Earth. - Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and other metals. Steel has a very high tensile strength and is thus preferred for industrial use. - Nickel
Represented by the symbol Ni, nickel is a chemical element and has the atomic number 28. It is a very hard and ductile metal.
Conclusion
Magnets are any object that has a magnetic field. When an object gains magnetic capabilities when placed under the magnetic field of any magnet, such an object is known as an induced magnet. This is a brief definition of induced magnetism.
The process of magnetising a non-magnetic metal is known as electromagnetism. The main difference between a magnet and an induced magnet is that induced magnets are only permanent and do not have their magnetic field. Ferromagnets are the magnets that strongly react to magnets and are also ones that can be magnetised through induced magnetism. Some examples of ferromagnets are iron, steel, and nickel.