Magnetic Fields Matter
A permanent magnet and moving coil work together to measure potential difference.Copyright 2005 Søren Peo Pedersen, Wikipedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Moving_coil_instrument_principle.png#file
Students are introduced to the effects of magnetic fields in matter addressing permanent magnets, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism and magnetization. First, they compare the magnetic field of a solenoid to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Then they learn the response of diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials to magnetic fields. Now aware of the mechanism causing a solid to respond to a field, students learn how to measure the response by looking at the net magnetic moment per unit volume of the material.
Engineers use the properties of how magnetic fields affect matter to design, improve and monitor MRI dangers. When giving MRIs, they use paramagnetic substances as contrast agents; MRIs are also affected by diamagnetic substances. When designing MRI technology, engineers must look out for ferromagnetic materials, which can become magnetized and form a severe hazard. At lesson end, students apply their acquired knowledge of magnetism to complete the homework assessment.
After the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the magnetic field and causes of a permanent magnet.
- Compare and contrast paramagnetism, ferromagnetism and diamanetism.
- Calculate the net magnetization of an object.