Physics
Explain what do you understand by magnetic induction. What role does it play in attraction of a piece of iron by a magnet?
Answer
The process in which a piece of magnetic material acquires the magnetic properties temporarily in presence of another magnet near it is called magnetic induction.
Induction precedes attraction — When a piece of iron is brought near one end of a magnet (or one end of a magnet is brought near the piece of iron), the nearer end of the piece acquires an opposite polarity by magnetic induction.
Since unlike poles attract each other, therefore the iron piece is attracted towards the end of the magnet. Thus, the piece of iron first becomes a magnet by induction and then it is attracted. In other words, induction precedes attraction.
Related Questions
Explain the mechanism of attraction of iron nails by a magnet when brought near them.
A small iron bar is kept near the north pole of a bar magnet. How does the iron bar acquire magnetism? Draw a diagram to show the polarity on the iron bar. What will happen if the magnet is removed?
You are provided with two similar bars, one is a magnet and the other is a soft iron bar. How will you distinguish between them without the use of any other magnet or bar?
[Hint: A magnet when suspended freely will rest only in north-south direction, but soft iron bar will rest in any direction]
A small magnet is suspended by a silk thread from a rigid support such that the magnet can freely swing. How will it rest? Draw a diagram to show it.