Even in ancient times, people discovered the unique properties of certain stones - the attraction of metal. Nowadays, we often come across objects that possess these qualities. What is a magnet? What is his strength? We will talk about this in this article.
Definition
What is a magnet? This is a material with a certain degree of magnetization. This ability arises due to the fact that the magnet molecules have their own field and do not move randomly, as in many other substances, but strictly in two directions. This mutual opposite has the properties of attraction and repulsion of metal objects. If you try to connect magnets with the same poles, you can feel the rejection. Opposing parties, in turn, will attract each other. This is due to the direction in which the waves of magnetic fields move. It is worth noting that not a single piece of magnet can be unipolar. When it is broken, the molecules in each piece again form the north and south poles.
Types of Magnets
What are magnets and what is their difference? The work of many electrical appliances, sensors, home appliances depends on the type of magnets that are present in them. Each has its own characteristics. They perform certain functions, depending on the scope of use. The main types include electromagnets, permanent and temporary magnets. It is worth considering in more detail each species.
What is a permanent magnet? This is a material that can retain magnetization for a long time. Its molecules move in a constant direction and form a magnetic field in the absence of an electric current. It is also called a natural magnet.
An example of a temporary magnet is paper clips, buttons, nails, a knife and other household items made of iron. Their strength lies in the fact that they are attracted to a permanent magnet, and when the magnetic field disappears, they lose their property.
The electromagnet field can be controlled by electric current. How is this going ? A wire wrapped in coils on an iron core, when applying and changing the magnitude of the current, changes the strength of the magnetic field and its polarity.
Types of Permanent Magnets
Ferrite magnets are the most famous and actively used in everyday life. This black material can be used as fasteners for various objects, for example, for posters, for wall boards used in the office or school. They do not lose their attractive properties at a temperature of at least 250 ° C.
Alniko is a magnet consisting of an alloy of aluminum, nickel and cobalt. That gave him that name. It is very steady against high temperatures and can be applied at 550 ° C. The material is lightweight, but completely loses its properties, falling under the influence of a stronger magnetic field. It is used mainly in the scientific industry.
Samarium magnetic alloys are high performance materials. The reliability of its properties allows the use of material in military developments. It is resistant to aggressive environment, high temperature, oxidation and corrosion.
What is a neodymium magnet? It is the most popular alloy of iron, boron and neodymium. It is also called a supermagnet, since it has a powerful magnetic field with high coercive force. Observing certain conditions during operation, a neodymium magnet is able to maintain its properties for 100 years.
What is a magnet, we found out. Next, we consider the use of the most popular and popular alloys.
Using Neodymium Magnets
It is worth considering in detail what is a neodymium magnet? This is a material that can record the consumption of water, electricity and gas in meters, and not only that. This type of magnet refers to permanent and rare earth materials. It is resistant to the strength of the magnetic fields of other alloys and is not subject to demagnetization.
Neodymium products are used in medical and industrial sectors. Also in domestic conditions they are used for fastening curtains, decor elements, souvenirs. They are used in search engines and in electronics.
To extend the life of the magnets of this type are coated with zinc or nickel. In the first case, the deposition is more reliable, as it is resistant to aggressive agents and can withstand temperatures above 100 ° C. The strength of a magnet depends on its shape, size and amount of neodymium, which is part of the alloy.
The use of ferrite magnets
Ferrites are considered the most popular magnets among permanent species. Thanks to the strontium which is a part, the material does not give in to corrosion. So what is a ferrite magnet? Where is it used? This alloy is quite fragile. Therefore, it is also called ceramic. Ferrite magnet is used in automotive and industry. It is used in various equipment and electrical appliances, as well as in domestic installations, generators, acoustic systems. In the manufacture of automobiles, magnets are used in cooling systems, power windows and fans.
The purpose of ferrite is to protect the equipment from external interference and prevent damage to the signal received through the cable. Due to this property, magnets are used in the manufacture of navigators, monitors, printers and other equipment where it is important to obtain a clear signal or image.
Magnetotherapy
Physiotherapy with a magnet is often used . What it is? This procedure is called magnetotherapy and is carried out for medicinal purposes. The effect of this method is to influence the patient's body using magnetic fields under low-frequency alternating or direct current. This treatment method helps to get rid of many diseases, relieve pain, strengthen the immune system, improve blood flow.
It is believed that diseases are caused by a violation of the human magnetic field. Thanks to physiotherapy, the body returns to normal and the general condition improves.
From this article, you learned what a magnet is, and also studied its properties and applications.