The iron ore magnetite, also known as lodestone, is a natural permanent magnet. Other permanent magnets can be made by subjecting certain materials to a magnetic force. When the force is removed, these materials retain their own magnetic properties. They are made by surrounding certain materials with a coil of wire.
Are magnets naturally found in the earth?
Magnets can be made and can be found in their natural form. Natural magnets are from the stone magnetite (loadstone) and were first discovered in the region known as Magnesia (in Greece) nearly 2000 years ago. No matter what type of magnet you have, they all have the property of magnetism.
How are magnets created?
When you rub a piece of iron along a magnet, the north-seeking poles of the atoms in the iron line up in the same direction. The force generated by the aligned atoms creates a magnetic field. The piece of iron has become a magnet. Some substances can be magnetized by an electric current.
How do you make an electromagnet and how does it work?
Electromagnets can be created by wrapping a wire around an iron nail and running current through the wire. The electric field in the wire coil creates a magnetic field around the nail. In some cases, the nail will remain magnetised even when removed from within the wire coil.
How does an electromagnet work GCSE?
A solenoid with an iron core is called an electromagnet . The iron core increases the solenoid's magnetic field strength. A simple electromagnet is made by coiling wire around an iron nail. Electromagnets are used in devices such as electric bells, and door locks that can be controlled remotely.