Magnetism Mr. Dunnum Physical Science

History of Magnets First compass n Thousands of years ago, people noticed that a mineral called magnetite attracted other pieces of magnetite and bits of iron. n When these pieces were free to turn, one end pointed north.

Compass ? n The compass was an important development for navigation and exploration, especially at sea.

Magnets n Magnets attract objects made of iron or steel, such as nails and paper clips. n Magnets also can attract or repel other magnets. Every magnet has two ends, or poles. n One end is called the north pole and the other is the south pole.

Magnet Poles n Two north poles or two south poles repel each other. n North and south magnetic poles are attracted to each other.

Magnetic fields A force is a push or a pull that can cause an object to move. A magnetic force can be exerted even when objects are not touching.

Magnetic field con. Field lines that curve toward each other show attraction. Field lines that curve away from each other show repulsion. A moving electric charge creates a magnetic field.

Magnetic Domains A group of atoms, with their fields pointing in the same direction, is called a magnetic domain. Normally, these domains are oriented randomly and their magnetic fields cancel each other.

Domains con. When a strong magnet is brought near the material, the domains line up, and their magnetic fields add together.

Earth Earth has a magnetic field The region of space affected by Earth's magnetic field is called the magnetosphere The origin of Earth's magnetic field is thought to be deep within Earth in the outer core layer.

Magnets and animals Honeybees, rainbow trout, and homing pigeons take advantage of magnetism to find their way. These animals and other have tiny pieces of magnetite in their bodies.

Review Every magnet is surrounded by a _____. Two north poles _______, but a north and a south pole _______. The region of space affected by Earth’s magnetic field is the ____.