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Magnets can be classified into two categories based on the nature of their composition, source of magnetism and magnetic properties. These include permanent magnets and electromagnets or temporary magnets. Permanent magnets can retain their magnetising properties, whereas temporary magnets or electromagnets cannot retain their magnetic properties.
Permanent Magnet Definition
A permanent magnet is a magnetised material that creates a magnetic field. Permanent magnets can retain their magnetism even after the removal of the magnetic force. The magnetic field that attracts the magnetic objects is generated by the material’s internal structure in permanent magnets.
ElectroMagnet Definition
An Electromagnet is a core of a magnetic material like iron, surrounded by a coil of wire. When an electric current is passed through this wire, the coil becomes magnetised and acquires the properties of a magnet. Household items like doorbells, electric motors, etc., work on the electromagnet principle.
The formation of permanent and electromagnet is different. As a result, they have different uses in different fields.
Uses of Permanent Magnets
Permanent magnets can be very easily found around us. They have a lot of applications in the modern world. They do not need any protection or treatment to prevent surface rust or other issues. Permanent magnets are not very expensive and have various functions in our daily lives. The following are the uses of various categories of permanent magnets:
Neodymium Iron Boron
They are also called neodymium magnets and are made up of Earth’s magnetic material. It has a very high coercive force and a high energy product range of 50MGOe. They have low mechanical strength, are brittle and have low corrosion resistance. Treating them with iron, nickel, or iron can be used for many applications.
Ceramic magnets or Ferri magnets
They are the most commonly used magnets because of their magnetic strength, inexpensiveness and ease of production. They are not easily magnetised. They are commonly used in generators, alternators, advertising displays, security systems, DC Permanent magnet motors etc.
Samarium Cobalt and Alcino are the other three categories of permanent magnets.
The door of the fridge is made of permanent magnets. Screwdrivers that attract screws have permanent magnets inside them. Hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles use powerful permanent magnets. The magnets currently used in the automobile industry are very expensive and short in supply. Permanent magnets are also used in jewellery like earrings and bracelets. They also help in keeping the jeweller clasps closed.
Uses of Electromagnets
Electromagnetism can be considered one of the fundamental forces present in the universe. Electromagnets are the most commonly used magnets compared to permanent magnets as they can be turned on and off. Their magnetic strengths can also be modified. Electromagnets are temporary magnets as they show magnetic properties only when the current is applied. There are countless applications for electromagnets, ranging from large-scale machinery to small scale machinery. Electromagnets are used in generators, motors, transformers, bells, headphones, loudspeakers, valves and relays, hard discs etc. They are also used in household items like Induction cookers, magnetic locks, tape recorders, and VCRs. The practical uses of electromagnets include particle accelerators, mass spectrometers, MRI machines etc.
The crane, which is used to transport heavy metals and waste, has an electromagnet for lifting the material easily. In service centres and garages, electromagnets are used for lifting vehicles.
The principles of electromagnetism can be applied to study electrostatics, magnetic fields of various slow and steady currents, study e.m.f and e.m.i, Maxwell’s equation, radiation and propagation of electromagnetic waves, matter’s electrical and magnetic properties, and various laws of conservation.
Electromagnets are exclusively used for conducting scientific research, experiments, etc.
Because of their capability to produce magnetic fields of great intensity, lower resistance, and higher efficiency. Electromagnets are also used in scientific and medical equipment.
Conclusion
Magnets are mainly divided into two categories: permanent magnets and electromagnets.. Permanent magnets are natural magnets and can retain their magnetising power, while electromagnets are temporary magnets and cannot retain their magnetic properties. Permanent magnets are mostly used in common activities and items, while most of the electrical equipment around our work on the application of electromagnets.
