The Science of Everything Podcast Episode 61: Magnetism
Apr 27, 2014
Dive into the fascinating world of magnetism! Explore how magnets work, from magnetic poles to the mysterious absence of monopoles. Uncover the quantum origins of magnetism with electron spin and see how these concepts lead to real-world applications. Learn about ferromagnets, electromagnets, and the interplay between electricity and magnetism. Discover the magic behind generators and motors, and get a glimpse of Maxwell's equations that govern it all. Prepare to be amazed by the forces that shape our universe!
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How To Use An Electromagnet
- Make an electromagnet by coiling wire and running current through it, often around an iron core.
- Vary current or reverse its direction to change strength or flip the magnet's polarity.
Electrons Are The Ultimate Source
- All magnetic fields ultimately come from moving charges, whether macroscopic currents or subatomic sources.
- In atoms, electron motion and intrinsic spin produce tiny magnetic moments that sum to macroscopic fields.
Spin Creates Magnetic Moment
- Electrons possess intrinsic spin and magnetic moments even without classical rotation.
- Unpaired electron spins produce net magnetic moments that can create observable magnetism.