Knowing the Properties of Magnets and Their Types

YOGYAKARTA - Magnetic properties are special properties that distinguish magnets from other objects. Before discussing more about the properties of magnets, we need to know what is meant by magnets.

According to the Indonesian Big Dictionary (KBBI), a magnet is any material that can attract iron and has a magnetic force.

Meanwhile, according to Dewi Suartini in the book Basic Science Series 8: Understanding Magnets, a magnet is defined as an object that has the ability to attract certain objects, especially those made of metal.

In physics, objects that can be attracted by a magnet are called magnetic objects. Meanwhile, objects that cannot be attracted by a magnet are referred to as non-magnetic objects.

So, what are the magnetic properties that make it different from other objects? To find out the answer, see the explanation below.

Magnetic Properties

Referring to the book Magnet Si Penarik yang Kuat by Hanatul Ula Maulidya, the special properties that only attach to magnets, include:

Magnets have two poles, namely the north pole (north/N) and the south pole (south/S). In a free state or hanging, the magnetic poles always face north and south. Similar magnetic poles will move away from each other, while dissimilar poles will move closer to each other due to attraction. The greatest magnetic attraction is on the pole. The closer the distance of the magnet to an object, the stronger the attraction force produced. Not all objects can be attracted by magnets. In general, objects that are magnetic contain iron, cobalt, or nickel elements. Magnetic forces are able to penetrate thin materials, such as paper, plastic, and film sheets.Types of Magnets

Based on the source material, magnets are divided into two types, namely natural magnets and artificial magnets. The explanation is as follows:

Natural Magnet

Natural magnets are rocks that were first discovered in the Magnesia region, Greece, in the past. This type of magnet has had the property of magnetism naturally since it was formed, without going through a certain processing process. Generally, natural magnets are rock-shaped and permanent, so that the magnetic force is difficult to remove. These magnets are found to be able to attract objects around them because they are formed through natural processes, without human intervention.

Artificial Magnet

Artificial magnets are made by humans to meet various needs by utilizing the properties of magnetism. However, not all materials can be made into magnets. Only materials that have elemental magnets can be magnetized. Artificial magnets are composed of domains or elemental magnets that are arranged in such a way as to produce a magnetic force.

Based on the length of its magnetic strength, artificial magnets are distinguished into permanent magnets and temporary magnets. Permanent magnets have stable magnetization properties because their elemental magnetic arrangement is permanently ordered, for example, steel. Meanwhile, temporary magnets have elemental magnets that are easily changed or unstable. Iron is an example of a temporary magnet because it is easily magnetized, but its magnetization properties also quickly disappear.

Viewed from the type of material, magnets are divided into ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic. Each has a different level of magnetic strength. Ferromagnetic materials are materials with the strongest magnetic force, while paramagnetic have a weak magnetic attraction. As for diamagnetic materials, they cannot be used as magnets because they do not have elemental magnetic properties.

As an artificial magnet, there are several methods of making it, such as by rubbing, using an electric current, and through induction. The technique of making magnets is adjusted to the needs and types of materials used, including the desired magnetic force. For example, magnets used in small industrial machines have a weaker attraction than magnets for large industrial purposes, such as iron lifting tools.

So that's the information about magnetic properties. Get other selected news updates only at VOI.id.

Tag: teknologi pengetahuan sains fisika