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Physics LibreTexts

28.2: Introduction

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A material exhibits magnetic properties when electrons align in a particular way within the material.  Each electron is basically a tiny magnet and when the magnetic fields of the electrons are aligned within a material, the magnetic moments of the electrons add together making the entire material magnetic.  All magnets have both a north seeking pole and a south seeking pole which are based on the magnetic moment positioning of the electrons.  Opposite poles are attracted together, while like poles repel.  A magnet can induce magnetism in a ferromagnetic material.  Iron filings are a ferromagnetic material, and thus, exhibit magnetic effects when they are near a magnet, and align themselves with the magnetic field of the magnet.

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Figure 28.2.1: Unmagnetized
clipboard_e016a2cdb6014a8abec72c6d9898d0e48.png
Figure 28.2.2: Magnetized

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28.2: Introduction is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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