Alicia Snchez

Learning Objectives for Session 3

Explain what is meant by a magnetic field
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet, in which the force of the magnet is acting.
State what magnetic field lines show (include an example).
Magnetic field lines show the direction and the force of a magnetic field. For example, in this picture,
the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet show that the force of the
magnetic field is going from the north to the south magnetic pole. Also,
we know that the magnetic field is stronger at the poles of the magnet
because the lines are closer together.


Sketch the magnetic field patterns associated with a bar magnet, solenoid and straight wire.

Explain how you can work out the direction of magnetic field lines produced by a current flowing
through a straight wire (right hand thumb rule).
If a current is flowing through a straight wire, you can work out the direction of the magnetic
field lines produced by putting your right thumb in the direction of the current flow
and then wrapping the rest of your fingers around the wire. Your fingers will
show the direction of the magnetic force. The picture beside shows the correct
position of the hand.
Explain how to make an electromagnet.
To make an electromagnet you must make a coil of copper wire and attach it to a battery, when you
turn the battery on, current will flow through the wire and it will become a magnet.

Bar Magnet
Straight Wire Solenoid
Alicia Snchez
How can we make an electromagnet stronger?
To make an electromagnet stronger you can put an iron core in the
middle of the coil of copper wire. Also, the more wire you wrap around the
iron core, the stronger the magnet will be.

Describe how an electromagnet relay (switch) works.
An electromagnet relay or switch is used to make the transfer of
electrical current safe. An electromagnet switch normally
consists of two separate and independent circuits. Circuit 1 is a
simple electromagnet that requires only a small current. When
the current flows around the circuit, the electromagnet attracts
the iron arm and this closes the second circuit. Circuit 2 can have
large amounts of current flowing through it, however it is now
safe to handle because the person turning the switch on and off
is not in direct contact with circuit 2 and is not in the risk of
receiving a big shock. When the electromagnet is turned off, the iron arm will move back and the
second circuit will stop functioning. A relay switch is normally used in factories so that the people
working there are not in danger; the point is that a safe low voltage circuit is controlling a high
voltage circuit. The image shows the position of the circuits and the iron arm, which is also called the
armature.

Sources:
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/relay1.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/electronics/switchesrev5.shtml
http://www.gcsescience.com/pme7.htm