CONCEPT OF MAGNETISM
The word magnetism comes from a region called Magnesia meaning “a mineral” The earliest record observed magnetism occurred in the 4th century BC. When a Greek philosopher, Thales observed the pieces of iron were attracted to a natural mineral iron are called magnetite or triiron tetraoxide.
This behavior is now referred to as magnetism
Hence;
MAGNETISM
➢ This is the phenomenon of physical attraction for iron that is common in magnet
MAGNET
➢ This is a substance which attracts some metals or magnetic materials.
MAGNETIC AND NON- MAGNET MATERIALS
Magnetic materials
➢ Are those materials that can be attracted by the magnets
E.g. iron, nickel, steel, Cobalt
Non – magnetic materials
➢ Are those materials that cannot be affected by the magnet
For example: glass, plastics, wood, copper, brass, tin, carbon, zinc and aluminum.
❖ The non- magnetic material (substance) have very week magnetic properties
NOTE;
Ferromagnetic substance
➢ Are those substances that acquire strong magnetism
❖ Ferro magnetic substances are easily magnetized. Common Ferromagnetic materials are iron, nickel and cobalt
PROPERTIES OF MAGNETS
1) Magnets attract magnetic materials.
2) The magnetic force is an action at a distance force.
3) The magnetic force is strongest near the poles of a magnet.
4) Like magnetic poles repel while unlike magnetic poles attract each other.
5) The north pole of a freely moving magnet points south and the South Pole points north of the earth’s
magnet.
FULL NOTES
