A magnet is a type of material that produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field produced is invisible, but its effects are felt very easily when put in contact with other magnetic materials.
Magnets are important for electric generators because spinning a magnet near a coil of wire produces electricity. For example, a wind turbine is using wind to spin the magnet, a hydroelectric facility does the same, but with the power of moving water.
A magnet is characterized by its two poles; North and South. These poles create a magnetic field that flows from the North to the South pole, and can be depicted by a compass needle as shown in Figure 2. A compass needle is actually a permanent magnet, and naturally orients itself to align with any magnetic field.[2]
Changing magnetic fields move create electric current near loops of wire
The ability for a material to respond to a magnetic field is discussed in more depth on hyperphysics.
There are 3 types of magnets:[3]
The University of Colorado has graciously allowed us to use the following Phet simulation. This simulation illustrates how changing a magnetic field creates current. Move the magnet and watch what happens with the current.
For further information please see the related pages below:
Jordan Hanania, Kailyn Stenhouse, Jason Donev
Last updated: May 18, 2018
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