Second Grade Physical Science
In the last few articles, physical science was discussed as the science that studies the natural phenomena that occurs on earth. As a science, it seeks to find the causes or rules behind these phenomena. Applied physics later uses these rules in order to create advancements that benefit us. Two such examples are seen in magnets and in the composition of matter. Through the science of physics, modern society has been able to use magnets and magnetization to its advantage. In much the same way, matter and its composition (structure and properties) can be better understood through the concepts learned in physics.
Magnetism
In Historical Experiments article (insert link here), a brief history of magnets, their discovery, and ancient uses were discussed. We talked about naturally occurring magnets or lodestones. In modern society, though, magnets can be made. Through the help of technology, many things can become magnets or become magnetized. Given this, a magnet is any material that is able to attract other materials (ferromagnetic materials) to itself
and at the same time repel other magnets. Magnets are able to attract other materials because it produces a magnetic field, or an area of invisible force which pulls materials closer towards the magnets.
Every magnet is measured by the strength and the direction of its magnetic field. Some magnets have stronger fields than others, being able to pull more things towards itself. Materials that are attracted to the magnet can become magnetized as well. Sometimes materials lose their magnetism
once they are no longer connected to the original magnet (soft magnet), or they keep an amount of magnetism enough to become a relatively weak or medium magnet (permanent magnet).
The atoms in the magnet have electrons that are charged in such a way that they have magnetic moments. These moments appear to us to be constant and that is why a magnet is always magnetized. The other cause for magnetism is electric currents or charges. These charges can result in magnetic fields or in the magnetization of materials.
Magnets and ferromagnetic materials are all around us. Many of them are closer than we think. We use magnets on our refrigerator doors, in our credit cards, in purses and wallets, and in a host of other everyday materials. Ferromagnetic materials like certain metals can also be found in places we may not have thought to look. The project in the next article shows you how you can find and isolate a ferromagnetic material in something you eat everyday.
Next Article: Finding Iron in Your Cereal
