How can materials like iron become temporary magnets?a)By exposing the...
Materials like iron can become temporary magnets through the touch-and-stroke method. This technique involves rubbing a material with a permanent magnet, aligning the magnetic domains within the material to exhibit temporary magnetic properties. Understanding this process is essential in manipulating magnetic behavior for various applications, such as in electromagnets and magnetic storage devices.
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How can materials like iron become temporary magnets?a)By exposing the...
Understanding Temporary Magnets
Temporary magnets are materials that can become magnetized and display magnetic properties when subjected to an external magnetic field but lose their magnetism once the field is removed. Iron is a common example of a material that can become a temporary magnet.
How Does the Touch-and-Stroke Method Work?
- The touch-and-stroke method involves rubbing a magnet along a piece of iron in one direction.
- This action aligns the magnetic domains within the iron, which are normally oriented randomly.
- By aligning these domains, the iron momentarily acquires a magnetic field, turning it into a temporary magnet.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect?
- a) By exposing them to extreme heat: Heating iron can actually demagnetize it due to the increased thermal energy causing the magnetic domains to lose their alignment.
- c) By cutting them into small pieces: Cutting does not align the magnetic domains; it can disrupt existing domains and may even prevent magnetism.
- d) By submerging them in water: Water does not influence the magnetic properties of iron. The alignment of domains is not affected by water.
Conclusion
The touch-and-stroke method is an effective way to temporarily magnetize iron by aligning its magnetic domains through direct contact with a magnet. This simple technique illustrates the fundamentals of magnetism and demonstrates how certain materials can exhibit temporary magnetic properties.