Magnet - Definition, Types, Properties, Applications, FAQs

Have you ever used a fridge magnet to attach a note or picture at your home? This small object is an example of a Magnet. A magnet is an object that has a ability to attract certain types of metals for example iron, nickel, and cobalt. It generates a magnetic force which appears in the form of a magnetic field around the generator. It is used in different simple items such as speakers and electric motors. Now let's look at the concept of magnet in detail.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is Magnet?
2. Types of Magnet
3. Temporary Magnet
4. Properties of magnet
5. Applications of Magnet

What is Magnet?

A force that attracts or repels other ferromagnetic materials including iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and others is called as a Magnet.
In other words, a magnet is any material that can attract iron and produce a magnetic field outside of itself.

When the magnet is withdrawn, the magnetism fades. Iron, nickel, and cobalt are the only three elements with ferromagnetic characteristics.

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Types of Magnet

The following are the three different types of magnets:

• Permanent magnet
• Temporary magnet
• Electromagnets

Permanent magnet

The most commonly used magnets are permanent magnets. They're termed permanent magnets because they don't lose their magnetic properties once they've been magnetized.

Examples of Permanent magnets are Compass Needles, Loudspeakers and Earphones, and Electric Generators and Motors.

Permanent magnets are further divided into four categories:

• Ceramic or ferrite
• Alnico
• Samarium Cobalt (SmCo)
• Neodymium Iron Boron (NIB)

Temporary Magnet

In the presence of a magnetic field, temporary magnets can be magnetized. These materials lose their magnetic properties of magnet when the magnetic field is removed.

Examples of temporary magnets include things like iron nails and paper clips.

Electromagnet

Electromagnets are formed out of a coil of wire that is coiled around a metal core made of iron. When this material is exposed to an electric current, it generates a magnetic field, which causes it to behave like a magnet. Controlling the electric current can change the strength of the magnetic field.

Examples of electromagnets are Electric bells, Speakers and Headphones, Relays and Switches, MRI Machines, and Magnetic cranes.

Properties of magnet

We already know that magnets are constructed of magnetic material. Magnets have a number of unique characteristics. They are as follows:

1. Magnets are attracted to ferromagnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, and nickel.
2. Magnetic poles with similar magnetic poles repel one other, while magnetic poles with opposite magnetic poles attract each other.
3. Magnet aligns itself along the north-south direction when it is suspended freely.
4. When the distance between the two magnets is smaller, the magnetic force between them is larger.
5. Every magnet has two poles: North and South. It cannot be separated.
6. A magnet creates an invisible field around it, called the magnetic field, where its force can be observed.
7. Magnetic force is strongest at the poles and weakest at the center of the magnet.

Applications of Magnet

Magnets can be used in various fields in daily life, medical purposes, and scientific research as well. Some of the common applications of magnets are given below:

1. Refrigerator magnets
2. Speakers and Microphones
3. MRI Machines
4. Magnetic Separators
5. Magnetic Locks
6. Magnetometers
7. Magnetic Toys