Magnetism

STANDARD 6.3

Explain how objects like the Earth and metals can be permanent or temporary magnets

To determine if a magnet is temporary or permanent, it has to do with domains=groups of aligned magnetic fields.

Permanent Magnetic Materials

All the domains or fields line up in these objects which make them permanently magnetic. Some of the most common permanent magnets are nickel, iron, and cobalt.

Ever wonder why the Earth is a magnet? Well, the core of the Earth consists of metals. As we all know, metals contain moving charges. This means that the Earth is pretty much a giant magnetic field.

Temporary Magnetic Materials

From our lab in class, we know that paperclips are temporarily magnetic. Why? Because once the domains are in the presence of an atom, they line up. Without it, the domains are scattered in different directions.

Non-Magnetic Materials

Last but not least we have non-magnetic materials. They do not have any magnetic domains. Unlike the first 2 examples, this material will do nothing in the presence of a magnetic.