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Top 20 Magnet Science Experiments

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Welcome to our list of the most interesting magnetic science experiments, specially curated to electrify the curiosity of future physicists!

Magnets offer a tangible and captivating way to explore the principles of physics.

Our diverse selection of the top magnet science experiments caters to learners of all ages, and these hands-on, educational activities promise not only to enhance your understanding of magnetism but also to spark a lifelong fascination with physics.

So, grab your magnets and join us on this thrilling journey of magnetic exploration!

1. Levitron

Imagine a world where objects levitate and spin with mesmerizing grace. With this hands-on experiment, you’ll learn how to create your very own Levitron from scratch, harnessing the power of magnetism to make the impossible possible.

2. Icy Magnets

Icy Magnets

Don’t miss out on the chance to unleash your scientific curiosity and witness the awe-inspiring fusion of ice and magnetism! Grab your gloves, embrace the chill, and join us on this frosty expedition into the realm of icy magnets.

Learn more: Icy Magnets

3. Is it Magnetic or Not-Magnetic Experiment

Prepare to unravel the mysteries of magnetism with the captivating experiment, “Is It Magnetic or Not Magnetic?” Embark on a journey where you’ll test the magnetic properties of various objects, challenging your scientific instincts.

4. Magnetic Treasure Hunt

Magnetic Treasure Hunt

This hands-on experiment will not only ignite your sense of exploration but also deepen your understanding of magnetic fields and their effects. Join us as we combine the thrill of a scavenger hunt with the wonders of magnetism.

Learn more: Magnetic Treasure Hunt

5. Spinning Pen

Imagine the thrill of defying gravity as you witness a humble pen transform into a gravity-defying acrobat, twirling and spinning in mid-air. This hands-on adventure will not only ignite your passion for science but also unlock a world of endless possibilities.

6. Magnetic Pendulum

Delve into the fascinating realm where science meets art, where a simple pendulum becomes an extraordinary conductor of magnetic forces.

7. Magnetic Levitation

Magnetic Levitation

Feel the exhilaration as you control the magnetic forces and guide your pencil through the air. It’s a mind-bending experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to explore the wonders of magnetism.

Learn more: Magnetic Levitation

8. Magnetic Slime

Get ready to unleash the ultimate magnetic gooeyness with our magnetic slime experiment! Whether you’re a budding scientist or just a slime enthusiast, this magnetic slime experiment will leave you magnetized with excitement and wonder.

9. DIY Magnetic Sensory Bottles

Dive into the magical realm of DIY Magnetic Sensory Bottles and let your curiosity flow. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create your own magnetic masterpiece and unlock a world of scientific marvels!

10. Magnet Maze

As you navigate the maze, you’ll witness the captivating interactions between magnets and magnetic objects, unraveling the secrets of magnetism along the way. So, gather your wits, embrace the challenge, and join us on this thrilling journey through the Magnet Maze.

11. Magnet Powered Car

This hands-on adventure will ignite your curiosity and fuel your understanding of magnetic forces. Discover the principles of magnetism in action as you witness the thrilling movement of your very own magnet-powered vehicle.

12. Make a Compass

Make a Compass

By constructing your own compass using a magnet, you will gain invaluable insight into the principles of magnetism and its role in navigation. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to engage in a timeless experiment and navigate the path to scientific knowledge with your very own compass creation.

Learn more: Make a Compass

13. DIY Magnetic Water

This hands-on experiment not only deepens your understanding of magnetic forces but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the potential benefits of magnetized water.

14. Magnet Trampoline

Magnetic Trampoline

Engage in this extraordinary exploration to unlock the secrets of magnetism while experiencing the sheer joy of defying gravity. Embrace the challenge, and let the magnetic trampoline launch you into a world of scientific wonder.

Learn more: Magnet Trampoline

15. Magic Pipe Cleaners

Magic Pipe Cleaners

Prepare to witness the captivating powers of magnetism as you explore the extraordinary ability to lift objects using a magnet and a clear canister.

16. Make an Electromagnet

Make an Electromagnet

In this hands-on experiment, you will unravel the intricate relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields, witnessing the transformative power of electromagnetism.

Learn more: Make an Electromagnetic

17. Magnet Painting

Magnet Painting

By incorporating magnets into your artistic process, you will witness the enchanting interactions between magnetic fields and paint, resulting in unique and dynamic compositions.

Learn more: Magnet Painting

18. Magnetic Doddles

Magnetic Doddles

By using magnetic materials and drawing tools, you will witness the captivating interactions between magnets and metallic particles, resulting in vibrant and dynamic doodles.

This hands-on experiment not only deepens your understanding of magnetic forces but also nurtures artistic expression, fine motor skills, and innovative thinking.

Learn more: Magnetic Doddles

19. Spinning Magnetic Coin

Prepare to witness the captivating interaction of magnets and a simple coin as it defies gravity and spins in a spellbinding manner.

20. The Christmas Bell Game

The Christmas Bell Game

Embrace this opportunity to merge scientific inquiry with the joyous atmosphere of the holidays, as you unravel the secrets of magnetism while immersed in the enchanting realm of the Christmas Bell Game.

Learn more: The Christmas Bell Game

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Physics With Magnets for Science & School

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Introduction: Physics With Magnets for Science & School

Physics With Magnets for Science & School

Magnets play an important role in physics. Almost every physics book has a chapter on magnetism. In this instructables I would like to show some experiments with magnets that are particularly suitable for physics lessons.

  • Measuring weak magnetic fields including a DIY compass
  • Measuring medium strong magnetic fields
  • Measuring strong magnetic fields
  • Levitation of a magnet
  • Determination of the specific charge e / m of an electron using a ring magnet
  • Gauss rifle
  • Measuring the earth magnetic field with a coil and a compass
  • a very simple & impressive magnetic field lines indicator ( NEW )

The magnetic flux density B (unit Tesla) indicates the strength of a magnetic field. The earth's magnetic field has a strength of around 45 µT, whereas strong neodymium magnets can have flux densities of around 1 Tesla.

Step 1: Measuring Weak Magnetic Fields Including a DIY Compass

Measuring Weak Magnetic Fields Including a DIY Compass

Fortunately, the earth has a magnetic field. This protects us, for example, from high-energy, charged, cosmic particles. These are deflected in the magnetic field due to the Lorentz force and describe circular orbits around the magnetic field lines.

In Austria, the earth's magnetic field has a strength of around 45 µT, i.e. only 0.000045 T. Such weak magnetic fields can be easily detected and measured with the HMC5883L sensor and the Arduino. In order to obtain useful results with the HMC5883L sensor, the offset in the x and y directions must first be determined. To do this, turn the sensor around the z-axis in 10 ° steps and note the magnetic field in the x and y directions. If you have these 36 pairs of values, you form the x and y mean of pairs 1 and 19, 2 and 20, 3 and 21 to 18 and 36. Finally, you only have to average the 16 x mean values and determine 16 y averages. These two numbers form the x and y offset of the sensor, which must be entered in the Arduino program.

The strength of the magnetic field in the x and y directions can be used to build a simple compass. The relationship exists between the position angle phi and the magnetic field in the x or y direction: tan (phi) = -Bx / By (see figure).

Attachments

Step 2: measuring medium strong magnetic fields.

Measuring Medium Strong Magnetic Fields

Medium-strength magnetic fields in the range of [-0.08 T, + 0.08 T] can easily be determined with the Hall sensor SS495A. For this, a voltage in the range [0.2.5V] only has to be read in with a multimeter or using an Arduino. The following relationship exists between the flux density B (in Tesla) and the voltage value U (in volts): B = (U - 2.5) * 0.04 For example, the SS495A sensor can be used to examine the strength of a magnet as a function of the distance to the magnet.

Step 3: Measuring Strong Magentic Fields

Measuring Strong Magentic Fields

A different Hall sensor is required to measure even stronger magnetic fields up to 3 Tesla. I am using the CYSJ362A. With a supply of + 5V, this supplies a voltage of 1.5V per Tesla. To determine the flux density B, it is sufficient to measure the voltage U with the Arduino. The following then applies: B = U / 1.5.

Attention: For the CYSJ362A you need a second, independent power supply! I use 9V batteries, one for the Arduino and the display and a second one to power the Hall sensor!

Step 4: Gauss Rifle

Gauss Rifle

For the Gauss rifle you need a long metal rail in an L-shape, several strong cube magnets and steel balls. The structure is simple. At a distance of e.g. A magnet is placed 15 cm into the metal rail. Then you place 2 steel balls on the right of the magnets. Now you place a single steel ball on the left start of the metal rail and give it a push in the direction of the first magnet.

What will happen?

The steel ball is attracted to the first magnet and thereby accelerated. If the ball collides with the magnet, the momentum conservation law applies and the second metal ball on the right side will whiz away at the final speed of the ball arriving on the left. So that this does not lose speed again due to the magnet, there is just another metal ball between the bullet and the magnet. This ensures that the magnetic field is virtually shielded and that the ball that rushes to the right is no longer felt and braked.

Step 5: Determination of the Specific Charge E/m of an Electron

Determination of the Specific Charge E/m of an Electron

Another important parameter in physics, namely the specific charge e / m of the electron, can be determined using a ring magnet and high voltage.

In addition to the ring magnet, high voltage is also required. This is supplied by a DC flyback transformer (a so called diode split transformer or DST) from an old tube television. The NE555 creates a chopper circuit with adjustable frequency. If you connect an output of the high voltage (ground) on the outside to the two ring magnets and now the positive pole of the high voltage is near the center of the ring magnets, a spark will flash over. Depending on the orientation of the magnets (north pole up or down), the spark will be curved to the right or left.

The specific charge e / m can be determined from the radius of curvature r and the voltage U (this must be estimated from the spark length in air, where 1 cm = 10 kV applies) (see figure).

My ring magnets (you will need two of them) have the dimensions: 40 mm (outer diameter) x 20 mm (inner diameter) x 10 mm (height). I've bought them on amazon ( amazon )

Step 6: Levitation

Levitation

Finally, we make an experiment on levitation. For this we need some electronic parts (e.g. the Hall sensor SS495A, the operational amplifier UA741, the Mosfet IRF4905, the voltage regulator 7805 and some resistors and capacitors) and an electromagnet. I simply made it out of a roll with enamelled copper wire. The Hall sensor must be in the middle of the lower coil opening.

If a spherical magnet approaches the Hall sensor, it detects a stronger field and the OPA switches off the current via the IRF4905. As a result, the ball magnet will fall down. However, this also reduces the magnetic field at the location of the Hall sensor and below a certain strength the OPA switches the current through the electromagnet back on via the IRF4905. As a result, the magnetic ball is pulled up again and does not fall to the ground. This constant switching on and off takes place so quickly that you cannot see it. The magnetic ball will float in the air.

Step 7: Measuring the Earth's Magnetic Field

Measuring the Earth's Magnetic Field

With a coil and a tiny compass you can easily determine the earth's magnetic field. The magnetic flux density B within a coil with the length L and N windings and the current I is: B = µ0 * N * I / L

µ0 is the magnetic field constant, which is 1.2566 * 10^-6 N/A²

First you have to orientate the coil in east to west direction. With no current the compass needle shows exactly to the north. Then you slowly increase the current, until the needle shows to northwest or northeast (depending on the direction of the current). The angle alpha between the north direction and the needle has to be 45°. Write down the current I for this situation.

In this case, you don't need any trigonometric functions because the magnetic field of the coil is equal to the earth's magnetic field.

Therefore the earth's magnetic field can be calculated as: B_earth = 1.2566 * N * I / L [in µT]

The result should be in the range of 20-50 µT, depending on the inclination of the magnetic field at your local position, because you can only measure the horizontal part of B_earth.

In earlier days physicians determined with this method (the apparatus is called tangent boussole) the electrical current! Today we simply use an amperemeter...

Step 8: A Very Simple & Impressive Magnetic Field Lines Indicator

A Very Simple & Impressive Magnetic Field Lines Indicator

For a very simple and impressive magnetic field indicator you just need magnets, a paper clip, a string and clear sticky tape.

Tie the paper clip to the string. Then stick both sides of the paper clip with transparent adhesive tape for stabilization. Now hold the string and move the paper clip closer to the magnet. This will line up along the field lines. If you move the thread carefully, you can discover how the field around the magnet is aligned! For example, with a bar magnet, the field lines are bent from pole to pole.

More physics projects: https://stoppi-homemade-physics.de/

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physics experiments with magnets

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Introductory briefing video

Super simple fun science experiments

These four fun science experiments using magnets are quick and easy to set up, suitable for learning at home or school. Your students will measure the effects of magnetism as magnets pass through tubes made of different materials; create a visual demonstration of Chaos theory with magnets affecting the swing of a pendulum; feel “attract” and “repel” forces of magnetism by placing magnets on either side of their hand, and use the magnetic field to make an object move as if it is alive.

These four practical experiments demonstrate various different scientific principles related to magnets and magnetism, including:

  • electromagnetic induction
  • magnetic fields
  • chaos theory.

Download the free activity sheet below!

Please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Tools/resources required

  • Projector/Whiteboard
  • 2 neodymium magnets
  • plastic radiator pipe sleeves
  • copper plumbing pipe
  • Sticky tape
  • Cotton thread

This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce the effects of magnetism and magnetic fields, or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on different types of forces. These experiments could also be used as an introduction to power generation or the potential uses of magnets in Design and Technology and Engineering projects.

This activity sheet was developed with the support and participation of the  School of Engineering at Cardiff University .

Available Downloads

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Four experiments with magnets activity

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Four experiments with magnets presentation

Related resources.

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Motor madness

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Design a hoverboard

Designing a levitating hoverboard that works using magnetism

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The MagLab is funded by the National Science Foundation and the State of Florida.

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  • Experiments with Magnets

Experiments with Magnets Explained

Read how are scientists using magnets in cutting-edge experiments with this explanation by MagLab Director Greg Boebinger.

A scientist prepares an experiment for a magnet.

A scientist prepares an experiment for a magnet.

Magnetic fields are used by scientists in two primary ways. One is to affect the particles, either electrons or protons or neutrons, that are inside every material. It can affect those in two ways.

One, if they have an electric charge, and they're moving, like an electrical current, then the magnetic field actually bends that current around and forms that into a circular orbit.

The other way to affect these particles that are in every material is if they have their own magnetic field. They can line up those magnetic fields in the same way as compasses line up with the Earth's magnetic field. The magnetic fields of each individual electron will line up with our magnetic field. That can cause a material that wasn't a magnet to become a magnet, or to greatly change the way that it operates or that it reflects light.

These are the kinds of experiments we do to understand how materials work.

Last modified on 24 October 2022

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  • Electromagnetism

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Physics ii: electricity and magnetism, experiments.

The desktop experiments were conducted during the class sessions.

Complete set of experiments in one file ( PDF - 3.1 MB )

Experiment 1: Equipotential Lines and Electric Fields ( PDF )

Experiment 2: Faraday Ice Pail ( PDF )

Experiment 3: Magnetic Fields of a Bar Magnet and Helmholtz Coil ( PDF )

Experiment 4: Forces and Torques on Magnetic Dipoles ( PDF )

Experiment 5: Faraday’s Law ( PDF )

Experiment 6: Ohm’s Law, RC and RL Circuits ( PDF )

Experiment 7: Undriven and Driven RLC Circuits ( PDF )

Experiment 8: Undriven and Driven RLC Circuits (cont.) ( PDF )

Experiment 9: Interference and Diffraction ( PDF )

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Quick & Easy Experiments With Magnets

physics experiments with magnets

How to Determine the Positive & Negative Sides of a Magnet

Magnets are not only useful tools that are fun to use, they also make excellent subjects for quick and simple science experiments. You can use magnets found in common household electronics -- and even those that go on refrigerators -- to demonstrate some of the most fascinating properties of magnetism without much preparation or cost.

Nail Electromagnet

Wrap a length of copper wire around an iron nail so that 8 inches of wire are left uncoiled at each end. Take one end of the wire and tape it to the positive (+) end of a AA battery, and tape the other end of the wire to the negative (-) end of the battery. When the wire is connected to both ends, the current that flows through the wire magnetizes the nail. You can then use the nail to attract small metal objects, such as paperclips. Record which objects are attracted to the nail and which aren't, and which objects were attracted but were too heavy. You can also experiment with larger batteries to see how they affect your magnet's strength.

Measuring Magnetic Fields

Lay a ruler flat on a table. Place a magnet alongside the ruler and align the magnet's edge with the 1-inch line on the ruler. Then, place a paperclip beside the magnet, along the ruler's same edge and aligned with the 2-inch line. If the paperclip attracts toward the magnet, move the paperclip back a half-inch. Continue to move the paperclip either closer or farther away from the magnet -- along the ruler's edge -- to find the distance at which the paperclip is no longer attracted, and then measure that distance on the ruler. You have just measured the length of the magnet's magnetic field. Then, repeat the same process with different magnets and record the length of their magnetic fields. Afterward, you can compare the magnetic fields of the different magnets.

Illustrating Magnetic Fields

For this experiment you'll need a handful of magnets, a piece of paper and iron filings. Place magnets on a table – close enough that you can cover them with a single sheet of paper.

physics experiments with magnets

Place a plain white sheet of paper on top of them, and then sprinkle iron filings on the paper.

Tap the paper a few times to get the filings moving, and watch as they take the shape of the magnetic fields. Make sketches on separate sheets of paper to record the shapes of the fields.

You can then rearrange the positions of the magnets to see how the filed shapes change, and record them as well.

The Simplest Motor

Set the head of a drywall screw onto the flat side of a neodymium disc magnet so that the screw stands straight up. Then bend a piece of copper wire so you can easily touch it to both ends of the motor you'll build. Lower the positive (+) end of a C battery to the top of the screw until the tip of the screw attaches itself to the battery. Lift the entire device carefully. Touch one end of the wire to the negative (-) end of the battery, and use a finger to hold it in place. Touch the other end to the edge of the disc magnet. When the wire makes contact with both the battery and the magnet, the electrical charge moves radially along the magnet's axis, and causes it -- and the screw -- to spin.

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Christopher Cascio is a memoirist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and literature from Southampton Arts at Stony Brook Southampton, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in the rhetoric of fiction from Pennsylvania State University. His literary work has appeared in "The Southampton Review," "Feathertale," "Kalliope" and "The Rose and Thorn Journal."

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10 Fantastic Magnet Experiments for Kids

July 14, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 7 Comments

Our magnet wands are one of our most used pieces of science kit and are perfect for all kinds of magnet experiments and investigations. When my children were little, they wandered around the house “testing” things to see if they were magnetic, and then we went through a phase of magnet-powered cars , boats and anything else we could make move.

Magnets are great for experiments and investigative activities as children can feel the force between them but can’t see it, which can feel almost magical!

If you like these, don’t forget we’ve got 100s more free science experiments and activities to try.

Magnet Experiments for Preschoolers

Magnet maze.

Magnet mazes are fantastic as they are super easy to make and can be themed to the child’s interest. We’ve had lots of fun with mini magnet mazes over the years, but there’s nothing to stop you from making a giant version!

LEGO magnet mazes are great fun too!

Paper plate with 3 flowers drawn in the centre with a felt tip pen.  A dotted line links the flowers. On top of the plate is a magnet wand and a cardboard bee with a paperclip attached.

Crazy Pipe Cleaner Hair

Draw a head of a person and give them a new hairstyle using a magnet wand and some pipe cleaners.

a drawing of a head with hair. On top of the head are segments of pipe cleaner cut to look like hair. Under the paper is a magnet wand

Magnet Scavenger Hunt

We love this magnetic scavenger hunt from Inspiration Laboratories.

Another idea is to hide magnetic items and add clues or codes for children to break, leading them to the next thing.

Magnet Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottles are great fun for little ones, and these magnet sensory bottles are extra special. Move the magnet wand up and down, and the objects that are attracted to the magnet also move up and down!

magnet sensory bottle. Plastic bottle filled with water. Several magnetic discs and coins are inside. A pink magnet wand is on the outside.

How strong is a magnet?

Find out how strong your magnet is using felt squares. Investigate how many felt squares it takes to stop two magnet wands from being attracted to each other.

Another idea is to set up an investigation using different types of magnets and materials.

Two magnet wands with about 7 small pieces of felt separating them. The magnets are still attracted to each other.

Ice and Magnet Experiments

This ice and magnet activity from Little Bins for Little Hands looks great fun.

Car Track Magnet Game

This car track magnet game is brilliant fun for young children. Print the track and cut out the cars to make it super easy, or draw your own track.

magnetic car track science activity for preschoolers

Find a story to recreate

We recently watched an episode of The Clangers where the Iron Chicken gets trapped in a pile of space rubbish. Straight away, my little girls disappeared to recreate the scene with our magnets and a stash of toys.

They created a magnet fishing rod using a stick and some string. Used plastic toys for space rubbish and made an ‘Iron chicken’ using kitchen foil with a magnet inside. It wasn’t entirely accurate to the story, but they did very well with the resources they had.

During the episode, Small and Tiny first use nets to clear the space junk to free the Iron Chicken, but their nets break. We used the opportunity to discuss materials that might have strengthened the nets. Major Clanger then uses a magnet to collect the space rubbish. The girls predicted correctly that the space rubbish would weigh down the flying music boat!

Clangers

Magnet Experiments for Older Children

This magnetic slime and electromagnetic train Frugal Fun for Boys looks AMAZING!!

Extract iron from breakfast cereal . Remember to be very careful using strong magnets.

Babble Dabble Do has some incredible magnet tricks that are like magic!

Did you know you can use magnets to defy gravity ? Can you see how the cardboard and paperclip seem to be floating?

Defy gravity with this awesome magnet experiment for kids. Use a magnet, string and paperclip!

If you’re looking for a great magnet set, this one from Learning Resources is our absolute favourite!

Can you think of any more magnet experiments for us?

Easy Magnet Experiments for kids. Defy gravity, go magnet fishing, make a magnet maze and lots more magnet science

Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

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July 15, 2015 at 9:22 am

Great set of ideas for magnetism – do you have any recommendations of where to get good magnets for kids from that allow open-ended exploration?

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July 18, 2015 at 10:43 am

Wow! I just discovered your site…so much great science stuff! My 3yo says that he is a science kid (like Sid!) so thank you for all of the great ideas even for the little ones!

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July 23, 2015 at 6:17 am

I read your tips to learning about magnetism is very helpful to connect two magnetism each other Also read your baby picture made so cute in television

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October 29, 2015 at 2:10 am

😀 that idea of moving picture is nice. Amazing article. Enjoyed reading.

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  • Critical Thinking Items
  • Performance Task
  • Multiple Choice
  • Short Answer
  • Extended Response
  • 2.1 Relative Motion, Distance, and Displacement
  • 2.2 Speed and Velocity
  • 2.3 Position vs. Time Graphs
  • 2.4 Velocity vs. Time Graphs
  • 3.1 Acceleration
  • 3.2 Representing Acceleration with Equations and Graphs
  • 4.2 Newton's First Law of Motion: Inertia
  • 4.3 Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • 4.4 Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • 5.1 Vector Addition and Subtraction: Graphical Methods
  • 5.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction: Analytical Methods
  • 5.3 Projectile Motion
  • 5.4 Inclined Planes
  • 5.5 Simple Harmonic Motion
  • 6.1 Angle of Rotation and Angular Velocity
  • 6.2 Uniform Circular Motion
  • 6.3 Rotational Motion
  • 7.1 Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
  • 7.2 Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and Einstein's Theory of General Relativity
  • 8.1 Linear Momentum, Force, and Impulse
  • 8.2 Conservation of Momentum
  • 8.3 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
  • 9.1 Work, Power, and the Work–Energy Theorem
  • 9.2 Mechanical Energy and Conservation of Energy
  • 9.3 Simple Machines
  • 10.1 Postulates of Special Relativity
  • 10.2 Consequences of Special Relativity
  • 11.1 Temperature and Thermal Energy
  • 11.2 Heat, Specific Heat, and Heat Transfer
  • 11.3 Phase Change and Latent Heat
  • 12.1 Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: Thermal Equilibrium
  • 12.2 First law of Thermodynamics: Thermal Energy and Work
  • 12.3 Second Law of Thermodynamics: Entropy
  • 12.4 Applications of Thermodynamics: Heat Engines, Heat Pumps, and Refrigerators
  • 13.1 Types of Waves
  • 13.2 Wave Properties: Speed, Amplitude, Frequency, and Period
  • 13.3 Wave Interaction: Superposition and Interference
  • 14.1 Speed of Sound, Frequency, and Wavelength
  • 14.2 Sound Intensity and Sound Level
  • 14.3 Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms
  • 14.4 Sound Interference and Resonance
  • 15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • 15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation
  • 16.1 Reflection
  • 16.2 Refraction
  • 16.3 Lenses
  • 17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference
  • 17.2 Applications of Diffraction, Interference, and Coherence
  • 18.1 Electrical Charges, Conservation of Charge, and Transfer of Charge
  • 18.2 Coulomb's law
  • 18.3 Electric Field
  • 18.4 Electric Potential
  • 18.5 Capacitors and Dielectrics
  • 19.1 Ohm's law
  • 19.2 Series Circuits
  • 19.3 Parallel Circuits
  • 19.4 Electric Power
  • 20.1 Magnetic Fields, Field Lines, and Force
  • 20.2 Motors, Generators, and Transformers
  • 21.1 Planck and Quantum Nature of Light
  • 21.2 Einstein and the Photoelectric Effect
  • 21.3 The Dual Nature of Light
  • 22.1 The Structure of the Atom
  • 22.2 Nuclear Forces and Radioactivity
  • 22.3 Half Life and Radiometric Dating
  • 22.4 Nuclear Fission and Fusion
  • 22.5 Medical Applications of Radioactivity: Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation
  • 23.1 The Four Fundamental Forces
  • 23.2 Quarks
  • 23.3 The Unification of Forces
  • A | Reference Tables

Section Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

  • Explain how a changing magnetic field produces a current in a wire
  • Calculate induced electromotive force and current

Teacher Support

The learning objectives in this section will help your students master the following standards:

  • (G) investigate and describe the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in applications such as generators, motors, and transformers.

In addition, the OSX High School Physics Laboratory Manual addresses content in this section in the lab titled: Magnetism, as well as the following standards:

Section Key Terms

Changing magnetic fields.

In the preceding section, we learned that a current creates a magnetic field. If nature is symmetrical, then perhaps a magnetic field can create a current. In 1831, some 12 years after the discovery that an electric current generates a magnetic field, English scientist Michael Faraday (1791–1862) and American scientist Joseph Henry (1797–1878) independently demonstrated that magnetic fields can produce currents. The basic process of generating currents with magnetic fields is called induction ; this process is also called magnetic induction to distinguish it from charging by induction, which uses the electrostatic Coulomb force.

When Faraday discovered what is now called Faraday’s law of induction, Queen Victoria asked him what possible use was electricity. “Madam,” he replied, “What good is a baby?” Today, currents induced by magnetic fields are essential to our technological society. The electric generator—found in everything from automobiles to bicycles to nuclear power plants—uses magnetism to generate electric current. Other devices that use magnetism to induce currents include pickup coils in electric guitars, transformers of every size, certain microphones, airport security gates, and damping mechanisms on sensitive chemical balances.

One experiment Faraday did to demonstrate magnetic induction was to move a bar magnet through a wire coil and measure the resulting electric current through the wire. A schematic of this experiment is shown in Figure 20.33 . He found that current is induced only when the magnet moves with respect to the coil. When the magnet is motionless with respect to the coil, no current is induced in the coil, as in Figure 20.33 . In addition, moving the magnet in the opposite direction (compare Figure 20.33 with Figure 20.33 ) or reversing the poles of the magnet (compare Figure 20.33 with Figure 20.33 ) results in a current in the opposite direction.

Virtual Physics

Faraday’s law.

Try this simulation to see how moving a magnet creates a current in a circuit. A light bulb lights up to show when current is flowing, and a voltmeter shows the voltage drop across the light bulb. Try moving the magnet through a four-turn coil and through a two-turn coil. For the same magnet speed, which coil produces a higher voltage?

  • The sign of voltage will change because the direction of current flow will change by moving south pole of the magnet to the left.
  • The sign of voltage will remain same because the direction of current flow will not change by moving south pole of the magnet to the left.
  • The sign of voltage will change because the magnitude of current flow will change by moving south pole of the magnet to the left.
  • The sign of voltage will remain same because the magnitude of current flow will not change by moving south pole of the magnet to the left.

Induced Electromotive Force

If a current is induced in the coil, Faraday reasoned that there must be what he called an electromotive force pushing the charges through the coil. This interpretation turned out to be incorrect; instead, the external source doing the work of moving the magnet adds energy to the charges in the coil. The energy added per unit charge has units of volts, so the electromotive force is actually a potential. Unfortunately, the name electromotive force stuck and with it the potential for confusing it with a real force. For this reason, we avoid the term electromotive force and just use the abbreviation emf , which has the mathematical symbol ε . ε . The emf may be defined as the rate at which energy is drawn from a source per unit current flowing through a circuit. Thus, emf is the energy per unit charge added by a source, which contrasts with voltage, which is the energy per unit charge released as the charges flow through a circuit.

To understand why an emf is generated in a coil due to a moving magnet, consider Figure 20.34 , which shows a bar magnet moving downward with respect to a wire loop. Initially, seven magnetic field lines are going through the loop (see left-hand image). Because the magnet is moving away from the coil, only five magnetic field lines are going through the loop after a short time Δ t Δ t (see right-hand image). Thus, when a change occurs in the number of magnetic field lines going through the area defined by the wire loop, an emf is induced in the wire loop. Experiments such as this show that the induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field. Mathematically, we express this as

where Δ B Δ B is the change in the magnitude in the magnetic field during time Δ t Δ t and A is the area of the loop.

Note that magnetic field lines that lie in the plane of the wire loop do not actually pass through the loop, as shown by the left-most loop in Figure 20.35 . In this figure, the arrow coming out of the loop is a vector whose magnitude is the area of the loop and whose direction is perpendicular to the plane of the loop. In Figure 20.35 , as the loop is rotated from θ = 90° θ = 90° to θ = 0° , θ = 0° , the contribution of the magnetic field lines to the emf increases. Thus, what is important in generating an emf in the wire loop is the component of the magnetic field that is perpendicular to the plane of the loop, which is B cos θ . B cos θ .

This is analogous to a sail in the wind. Think of the conducting loop as the sail and the magnetic field as the wind. To maximize the force of the wind on the sail, the sail is oriented so that its surface vector points in the same direction as the winds, as in the right-most loop in Figure 20.35 . When the sail is aligned so that its surface vector is perpendicular to the wind, as in the left-most loop in Figure 20.35 , then the wind exerts no force on the sail.

Thus, taking into account the angle of the magnetic field with respect to the area, the proportionality E ∝ Δ B / Δ t E ∝ Δ B / Δ t becomes

Another way to reduce the number of magnetic field lines that go through the conducting loop in Figure 20.35 is not to move the magnet but to make the loop smaller. Experiments show that changing the area of a conducting loop in a stable magnetic field induces an emf in the loop. Thus, the emf produced in a conducting loop is proportional to the rate of change of the product of the perpendicular magnetic field and the loop area

where B cos θ B cos θ is the perpendicular magnetic field and A is the area of the loop. The product B A cos θ B A cos θ is very important. It is proportional to the number of magnetic field lines that pass perpendicularly through a surface of area A . Going back to our sail analogy, it would be proportional to the force of the wind on the sail. It is called the magnetic flux and is represented by Φ Φ .

The unit of magnetic flux is the weber (Wb), which is magnetic field per unit area, or T/m 2 . The weber is also a volt second (Vs).

The induced emf is in fact proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through a conducting loop.

Finally, for a coil made from N loops, the emf is N times stronger than for a single loop. Thus, the emf induced by a changing magnetic field in a coil of N loops is

The last question to answer before we can change the proportionality into an equation is “In what direction does the current flow?” The Russian scientist Heinrich Lenz (1804–1865) explained that the current flows in the direction that creates a magnetic field that tries to keep the flux constant in the loop. For example, consider again Figure 20.34 . The motion of the bar magnet causes the number of upward-pointing magnetic field lines that go through the loop to decrease. Therefore, an emf is generated in the loop that drives a current in the direction that creates more upward-pointing magnetic field lines. By using the right-hand rule, we see that this current must flow in the direction shown in the figure. To express the fact that the induced emf acts to counter the change in the magnetic flux through a wire loop, a minus sign is introduced into the proportionality ε ∝ Δ Φ / Δ t . ε ∝ Δ Φ / Δ t . , which gives Faraday’s law of induction.

Lenz’s law is very important. To better understand it, consider Figure 20.36 , which shows a magnet moving with respect to a wire coil and the direction of the resulting current in the coil. In the top row, the north pole of the magnet approaches the coil, so the magnetic field lines from the magnet point toward the coil. Thus, the magnetic field B → mag = B mag ( x ^ ) B → mag = B mag ( x ^ ) pointing to the right increases in the coil. According to Lenz’s law, the emf produced in the coil will drive a current in the direction that creates a magnetic field B → coil = B coil ( − x ^ ) B → coil = B coil ( − x ^ ) inside the coil pointing to the left. This will counter the increase in magnetic flux pointing to the right. To see which way the current must flow, point your right thumb in the desired direction of the magnetic field B → coil, B → coil, and the current will flow in the direction indicated by curling your right fingers. This is shown by the image of the right hand in the top row of Figure 20.36 . Thus, the current must flow in the direction shown in Figure 4(a) .

In Figure 4(b) , the direction in which the magnet moves is reversed. In the coil, the right-pointing magnetic field B → mag B → mag due to the moving magnet decreases. Lenz’s law says that, to counter this decrease, the emf will drive a current that creates an additional right-pointing magnetic field B → coil B → coil in the coil. Again, point your right thumb in the desired direction of the magnetic field, and the current will flow in the direction indicate by curling your right fingers ( Figure 4(b) ).

Finally, in Figure 4(c) , the magnet is reversed so that the south pole is nearest the coil. Now the magnetic field B → mag B → mag points toward the magnet instead of toward the coil. As the magnet approaches the coil, it causes the left-pointing magnetic field in the coil to increase. Lenz’s law tells us that the emf induced in the coil will drive a current in the direction that creates a magnetic field pointing to the right. This will counter the increasing magnetic flux pointing to the left due to the magnet. Using the right-hand rule again, as indicated in the figure, shows that the current must flow in the direction shown in Figure 4(c) .

Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab

This simulation proposes several activities. For now, click on the tab Pickup Coil, which presents a bar magnet that you can move through a coil. As you do so, you can see the electrons move in the coil and a light bulb will light up or a voltmeter will indicate the voltage across a resistor. Note that the voltmeter allows you to see the sign of the voltage as you move the magnet about. You can also leave the bar magnet at rest and move the coil, although it is more difficult to observe the results.

  • Yes, the current in the simulation flows as shown because the direction of current is opposite to the direction of flow of electrons.
  • No, current in the simulation flows in the opposite direction because the direction of current is same to the direction of flow of electrons.

Watch Physics

Induced current in a wire.

This video explains how a current can be induced in a straight wire by moving it through a magnetic field. The lecturer uses the cross product , which a type of vector multiplication. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with this, it basically combines the right-hand rule for determining the force on the charges in the wire with the equation F = q v B sin θ . F = q v B sin θ .

Grasp Check

What emf is produced across a straight wire 0.50 m long moving at a velocity of (1.5 m/s) x ^ x ^ through a uniform magnetic field (0.30 T) ẑ ? The wire lies in the ŷ -direction. Also, which end of the wire is at the higher potential—let the lower end of the wire be at y = 0 and the upper end at y = 0.5 m)?

  • 0.15 V and the lower end of the wire will be at higher potential
  • 0.15 V and the upper end of the wire will be at higher potential
  • 0.075 V and the lower end of the wire will be at higher potential
  • 0.075 V and the upper end of the wire will be at higher potential

Worked Example

Emf induced in conducing coil by moving magnet.

Imagine a magnetic field goes through a coil in the direction indicated in Figure 20.37 . The coil diameter is 2.0 cm. If the magnetic field goes from 0.020 to 0.010 T in 34 s, what is the direction and magnitude of the induced current? Assume the coil has a resistance of 0.1 Ω. Ω.

Use the equation ε = − N Δ Φ / Δ t ε = − N Δ Φ / Δ t to find the induced emf in the coil, where Δ t = 34 s Δ t = 34 s . Counting the number of loops in the solenoid, we find it has 16 loops, so N = 16 . N = 16 . Use the equation Φ = B A cos θ Φ = B A cos θ to calculate the magnetic flux

where d is the diameter of the solenoid and we have used cos 0° = 1 . cos 0° = 1 . Because the area of the solenoid does not vary, the change in the magnetic of the flux through the solenoid is

Once we find the emf, we can use Ohm’s law, ε = I R , ε = I R , to find the current.

Finally, Lenz’s law tells us that the current should produce a magnetic field that acts to oppose the decrease in the applied magnetic field. Thus, the current should produce a magnetic field to the right.

Combining equations ε = − N Δ Φ / Δ t ε = − N Δ Φ / Δ t and Φ = B A cos θ Φ = B A cos θ gives

Solving Ohm’s law for the current and using this result gives

Lenz’s law tells us that the current must produce a magnetic field to the right. Thus, we point our right thumb to the right and curl our right fingers around the solenoid. The current must flow in the direction in which our fingers are pointing, so it enters at the left end of the solenoid and exits at the right end.

Let’s see if the minus sign makes sense in Faraday’s law of induction. Define the direction of the magnetic field to be the positive direction. This means the change in the magnetic field is negative, as we found above. The minus sign in Faraday’s law of induction negates the negative change in the magnetic field, leaving us with a positive current. Therefore, the current must flow in the direction of the magnetic field, which is what we found.

Now try defining the positive direction to be the direction opposite that of the magnetic field, that is positive is to the left in Figure 20.37 . In this case, you will find a negative current. But since the positive direction is to the left, a negative current must flow to the right, which again agrees with what we found by using Lenz’s law.

Magnetic Induction due to Changing Circuit Size

The circuit shown in Figure 20.38 consists of a U-shaped wire with a resistor and with the ends connected by a sliding conducting rod. The magnetic field filling the area enclosed by the circuit is constant at 0.01 T. If the rod is pulled to the right at speed v = 0.50 m/s, v = 0.50 m/s, what current is induced in the circuit and in what direction does the current flow?

We again use Faraday’s law of induction, E = − N Δ Φ Δ t , E = − N Δ Φ Δ t , although this time the magnetic field is constant and the area enclosed by the circuit changes. The circuit contains a single loop, so N = 1 . N = 1 . The rate of change of the area is Δ A Δ t = v ℓ . Δ A Δ t = v ℓ . Thus the rate of change of the magnetic flux is

where we have used the fact that the angle θ θ between the area vector and the magnetic field is 0°. Once we know the emf, we can find the current by using Ohm’s law. To find the direction of the current, we apply Lenz’s law.

Faraday’s law of induction gives

Solving Ohm’s law for the current and using the previous result for emf gives

As the rod slides to the right, the magnetic flux passing through the circuit increases. Lenz’s law tells us that the current induced will create a magnetic field that will counter this increase. Thus, the magnetic field created by the induced current must be into the page. Curling your right-hand fingers around the loop in the clockwise direction makes your right thumb point into the page, which is the desired direction of the magnetic field. Thus, the current must flow in the clockwise direction around the circuit.

Is energy conserved in this circuit? An external agent must pull on the rod with sufficient force to just balance the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field—recall that F = I ℓ B sin θ . F = I ℓ B sin θ . The rate at which this force does work on the rod should be balanced by the rate at which the circuit dissipates power. Using F = I ℓ B sin θ , F = I ℓ B sin θ , the force required to pull the wire at a constant speed v is

where we used the fact that the angle θ θ between the current and the magnetic field is 90° . 90° . Inserting our expression above for the current into this equation gives

The power contributed by the agent pulling the rod is F pull v , or F pull v , or

The power dissipated by the circuit is

We thus see that P pull + P dissipated = 0 , P pull + P dissipated = 0 , which means that power is conserved in the system consisting of the circuit and the agent that pulls the rod. Thus, energy is conserved in this system.

Practice Problems

The magnetic flux through a single wire loop changes from 3.5 Wb to 1.5 Wb in 2.0 s. What emf is induced in the loop?

What is the emf for a 10-turn coil through which the flux changes at 10 Wb/s?

Check Your Understanding

  • An electric current is induced if a bar magnet is placed near the wire loop.
  • An electric current is induced if a wire loop is wound around the bar magnet.
  • An electric current is induced if a bar magnet is moved through the wire loop.
  • An electric current is induced if a bar magnet is placed in contact with the wire loop.
  • Induced current can be created by changing the size of the wire loop only.
  • Induced current can be created by changing the orientation of the wire loop only.
  • Induced current can be created by changing the strength of the magnetic field only.
  • Induced current can be created by changing the strength of the magnetic field, changing the size of the wire loop, or changing the orientation of the wire loop.

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Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute Texas Education Agency (TEA). The original material is available at: https://www.texasgateway.org/book/tea-physics . Changes were made to the original material, including updates to art, structure, and other content updates.

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  • Authors: Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
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  • Book title: Physics
  • Publication date: Mar 26, 2020
  • Location: Houston, Texas
  • Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/physics/pages/1-introduction
  • Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/physics/pages/20-3-electromagnetic-induction

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Science Fun

Science Fun

Electricity And Magnetism Science Experiments

Electricity and magnetism science experiments you can do at home! Click on the experiment image or the view experiment link below for each experiment on this page to see the materials needed and procedure. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS.

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Compass Challenge:

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February 14, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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Altermagnetism: A new type of magnetism, with broad implications for technology and research

by Miriam Arrell, Paul Scherrer Institute

Altermagnetism proves its place on the magnetic family tree

There is now a new addition to the magnetic family: thanks to experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS, researchers have proved the existence of altermagnetism. The experimental discovery of this new branch of magnetism is reported in Nature and signifies new fundamental physics, with major implications for spintronics.

Magnetism is a lot more than just things that stick to the fridge. This understanding came with the discovery of antiferromagnets nearly a century ago. Since then, the family of magnetic materials has been divided into two fundamental phases: the ferromagnetic branch known for several millennia and the antiferromagnetic branch.

The experimental proof of a third branch of magnetism, termed altermagnetism, was made at the Swiss Light Source SLS, by an international collaboration led by the Czech Academy of Sciences together with Paul Scherrer Institute PSI.

The fundamental magnetic phases are defined by the specific spontaneous arrangements of magnetic moments—or electron spins —and of atoms that carry the moments in crystals.

Ferromagnets are the type of magnets that stick to the fridge: here spins point in the same direction, giving macroscopic magnetism. In antiferromagnetic materials , spins point in alternating directions, with the result that the materials possess no macroscopic net magnetization—and thus don't stick to the fridge. Although other types of magnetism, such as diamagnetism and paramagnetism have been categorized, these describe specific responses to externally applied magnetic fields rather than spontaneous magnetic orderings in materials.

Altermagnets have a special combination of the arrangement of spins and crystal symmetries. The spins alternate, as in antiferromagnets, resulting in no net magnetization. Yet, rather than simply canceling out, the symmetries give an electronic band structure with strong spin polarization that flips in direction as you pass through the material's energy bands—hence the name altermagnets. This results in highly useful properties more resemblant to ferromagnets, as well as some completely new properties.

A new and useful sibling

This third magnetic sibling offers distinct advantages for the developing field of next-generation magnetic memory technology, known as spintronics. Whereas electronics makes use only of the charge of the electrons, spintronics also exploits the spin-state of electrons to carry information.

Although spintronics has for some years promised to revolutionize IT, it's still in its infancy. Typically, ferromagnets have been used for such devices, as they offer certain highly desirable strong spin-dependent physical phenomena. Yet the macroscopic net magnetization that is useful in so many other applications poses practical limitations on the scalability of these devices as it causes crosstalk between bits—the information carrying elements in data storage.

More recently, antiferromagnets have been investigated for spintronics, as they benefit from having no net magnetization and thus offer ultra-scalability and energy efficiency. However, the strong spin-dependent effects that are so useful in ferromagnets are lacking, again hindering their practical applicability.

Here enter altermagnets with the best of both: zero net magnetization together with the coveted strong spin-dependent phenomena typically found in ferromagnets—merits that were regarded as principally incompatible.

"That's the magic about altermagnets," says Tomáš Jungwirth from the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, principal investigator of the study. "Something that people believed was impossible until recent theoretical predictions [showed it] is in fact possible."

The search is on

Murmurings that a new type of magnetism was lurking began not long ago: In 2019, Jungwirth together with theoretical colleagues at the Czech Academy of Sciences and University of Mainz identified a class of magnetic materials with a spin structure that did not fit within the classic descriptions of ferromagnetism or antiferromagnetism.

In 2022, the theorists published their predictions of the existence of altermagnetism. They uncovered more than two hundred altermagnetic candidates in materials ranging from insulators and semiconductors, to metals and superconductors. Many of these materials have been well known and extensively explored in the past, without noticing their altermagnetic nature. Due to the huge research and application opportunities that altermagnetism poses, these predictions caused great excitement within the community. The search was on.

X-rays provide the proof

Obtaining direct experimental proof of altermagnetism's existence required demonstrating the unique spin symmetry characteristics predicted in altermagnets. The proof came using spin- and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy at the SIS (COPHEE endstation) and ADRESS beamlines of the SLS. This technique enabled the team to visualize a tell-tale feature in the electronic structure of a suspected altermagnet: the splitting of electronic bands corresponding to different spin states, known as the lifting of Kramers spin degeneracy.

The discovery was made in crystals of manganese telluride, a well-known simple two-element material. Traditionally, the material has been regarded as a classic antiferromagnet because the magnetic moments on neighboring manganese atoms point in opposite directions, generating a vanishing net magnetization.

However, antiferromagnets should not exhibit lifted Kramers spin degeneracy by the magnetic order, whereas ferromagnets or altermagnets should. When the scientists saw the lifting of Kramers spin degeneracy, accompanied by the vanishing net magnetization, they knew they were looking at an altermagnet.

"Thanks to the high precision and sensitivity of our measurements, we could detect the characteristic alternating splitting of the energy levels corresponding to opposite spin states and thus demonstrate that manganese telluride is neither a conventional antiferromagnet nor a conventional ferromagnet but belongs to the new altermagnetic branch of magnetic materials," says Juraj Krempasky, beamline scientist in the Beamline Optics Group at PSI and first author of the study.

The beamlines that enabled this discovery are now disassembled, awaiting the SLS 2.0 upgrade. After twenty years of successful science, the COPHEE endstation will be completely integrated into the new "QUEST" beamline. "It was with the last photons of light at COPHEE that we made these experiments. That they gave such an important scientific breakthrough is very emotional for us," adds Krempasky.

"Now that we have brought it to light, many people around the world will be able to work on it."

The researchers believe that this new fundamental discovery in magnetism will enrich our understanding of condensed-matter physics, with impact across diverse areas of research and technology. As well as its advantages to the developing field of spintronics, it also offers a promising platform for exploring unconventional superconductivity, through new insights into superconducting states that can arise in different magnetic materials.

"Altermagnetism is actually not something hugely complicated. It is something entirely fundamental that was in front of our eyes for decades without noticing it," says Jungwirth. "And it is not something that exists only in a few obscure materials. It exists in many crystals that people simply had in their drawers. In that sense, now that we have brought it to light, many people around the world will be able to work on it, giving the potential for a broad impact."

Journal information: Nature

Provided by Paul Scherrer Institute

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APS Physics

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physics experiments with magnets

  • APS Journals

Voltage Control over Magnons

Figure caption

Magnonic devices are being developed to transmit signals, not with electrons, but with magnons—traveling waves in the magnetic ordering of a material. New work provides one of the missing elements of the magnonics toolbox: a voltage-controlled magnon transistor [ 1 ]. The device is made up of a magnetic insulator sandwiched between two metal plates. The researchers show that they can control the flow of magnons in the insulator through voltages applied to the plates. The results could lead to more-efficient magnonic devices.

A magnon can be imagined as a row of fixed magnetic elements, or “spins,” that tilt and rotate their orientations in a coordinated pattern. This “spin wave” can carry information through a material without involving the movement of charges, which can cause undesirable heating in a circuit. Magnonics—though still in its infancy—is a potentially energy-efficient alternative to traditional electronics, says Xiu-Feng Han from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The challenge right now for the magnonics field, he says, is developing practical versions of the four basic components of a magnonic circuit: a generator, a detector, a switch, and a transistor.

A normal transistor—as found in a radio, a phone, or any other electronic device—has a control knob (typically an input voltage) that regulates an outflow of current. Magnon transistors, which regulate a flow of magnons, have been demonstrated previously (see Focus: A Trio of Magnon Transistors ), but they have been energy inefficient, Han says, as their control mechanism has been either a magnetic field or an electric current. He and his colleagues have now constructed a more efficient transistor in which the magnons are controlled by a voltage.

Figure caption

The transistor consists of a thick layer of yttrium iron garnet (YIG), a magnetic insulator, with thin layers of platinum above and below. The researchers drive a current through the bottom platinum layer, generating a current of spin-aligned electrons that flows upward in the bottom plate toward the YIG. An effect called magnon-mediated electric current drag (MECD) causes the upward-moving spin current in the platinum to convert into a stream of upward-moving magnons in the YIG (see Viewpoint: Putting a New Spin on Heat Flow ).

To control the flow of magnons through the YIG, the team applied a voltage between the two platinum layers. This voltage alters the MECD effect: with the upper plate positive (+2 V), the flow of magnons increased by 5%, whereas reversing the voltage (−2 V) decreased the magnon flow by roughly the same amount. The team did not measure the magnons directly, but instead measured the output voltage that the magnons generated in the perpendicular direction in the top platinum layer through the reverse MECD effect. The team estimated the heating loss as being around 20 nanowatts for an applied voltage of ± 2 V. By comparison, a current-driven magnon transistor would have 100 times greater loss for the same 5% change in magnon flow.

The team has plans to go further. “We are aiming to construct magnonic circuits with some computing or memory functionality in the near future,” Han says. One possibility would be to replace the top platinum layer with a magnet layer. The magnons flowing through the YIG could be used to set the magnetization in the top layer, perhaps as a way to store information.

Shufeng Zhang, a condensed-matter theorist from the University of Arizona, says that the primary novelty of this work is the revelation that a voltage can significantly alter the MECD effect in a magnetic insulator layer. “This voltage response is somewhat surprising given the traditionally minimal coupling between electric fields and magnons,” Zhang says. He thinks the work could help elucidate various properties of magnon transport. But he says that the immediate applicability for transistors may be limited, as the output voltage of a few microvolts is 100,000 times less than that of conventional silicon-based transistors. Han agrees that the low voltage is a limitation, but he says that optimization steps—such as choosing materials that produce a stronger initial spin current or using single crystal nanostructures that give a higher spin-magnon conversion efficiency—could boost the output voltage.

–Michael Schirber

Michael Schirber is a Corresponding Editor for  Physics Magazine based in Lyon, France.

  • Y. Z. Wang et al. , “Voltage-controlled magnon transistor via tuning interfacial exchange coupling,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 132 , 076701 (2024) .

More Information

Synopsis: Sensing Magnons with a Superconducting Qubit

Focus: A Trio of Magnon Transistors

Viewpoint: Putting a New Spin on Heat Flow

Voltage-Controlled Magnon Transistor via Tuning Interfacial Exchange Coupling

Y. Z. Wang, T. Y. Zhang, J. Dong, P. Chen, G. Q. Yu, C. H. Wan, and X. F. Han

Phys. Rev. Lett. 132 , 076701 (2024)

Published February 16, 2024

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The existence of a new kind of magnetism has been confirmed

Altermagnets, theorised to exist but never before seen, have been measured for the first time and they could help us make new types of magnetic computers

By Alex Wilkins

14 February 2024

Illustration of altermagnetism in a chemical compound

Altermagnetism works differently from standard magnetism

Libor Šmejkal and Anna Birk Hellenes

A new kind of magnetism has been measured for the first time. Altermagnets, which contain a blend of properties from different classes of existing magnets, could be used to make high capacity and fast memory devices or new kinds of magnetic computers.

Until the 20th century, there was thought to be only one kind of permanent magnet , a ferromagnet, the effects of which can be seen in objects with relatively strong external magnetic fields like fridge magnets or compass needles.

Quantum magnet is billions of times colder than interstellar space

These fields are caused by the magnetic spins of the magnets’ electrons lining up in one direction.

But, in the 1930s, French physicist Louis Néel discovered another kind of magnetism, called antiferromagnetism , where the electrons’ spins are alternately up and down. Although antiferromagnets lack the external fields of ferromagnets, they do show interesting internal magnetic properties because of the alternating spins.

Then in 2019, researchers predicted a perplexing electric current in the crystal structure of certain antiferromagnets, called the anomalous Hall effect , which couldn’t be explained by the conventional theory of alternating spins. The current was moving without any external magnetic field.

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It seemed, when looking at a crystal in terms of sheets of spins, that a third kind of permanent magnetism might be responsible, which has been called altermagnetism. Altermagnets would look like antiferromagnets, but the sheets of spins would look the same when rotated from any angle. This would explain the Hall effect, but no one had seen the electronic signature of this structure itself, so scientists were unsure whether it was definitely a new kind of magnetism.

Now, Juraj Krempaský  at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland, and his colleagues have confirmed the existence of an altermagnet by measuring the electron structure in a crystal, manganese telluride, that was previously thought to be antiferromagnetic.

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To do this, they gauged how light bounced off manganese telluride to find the energies and speeds of the electrons inside the crystal. After mapping out these electrons, they were found to almost exactly match the predictions given by simulations for an altermagnetic material.

The electrons seemed to be split into two groups, which allows them more movement inside the crystal and is the source of the unusual altermagnetic properties. “This gave direct evidence that we can talk about altermagnets and that they behave exactly as predicted by theory,” says Krempaský.

Mysterious rotation trick makes magnets float in the air

This electron grouping seems to come from the atoms of tellurium, which is non-magnetic, in the crystal structure, which separate the magnetic charges of the manganese into their own planes and allow the unusual rotational symmetry.

“It’s really nice verification that these materials do exist,” says Richard Evans at the University of York, UK. As well as the electrons in altermagnets being freer to move than those in antiferromagnets, this new type of magnet also doesn’t have external magnetic fields like in ferromagnets, says Evans, so you can use them to make magnetic devices that don’t interfere with each other.

The property could boost the storage on computer hard drives, because commercial devices contain ferromagnetic material that is so tightly packed that the material’s external magnetic fields start to see interference – altermagnets could be packed more densely.

The magnets could even lead to spintronic computers that use magnetic spin instead of current to perform their measurements and calculations, says Joseph Barker at the University of Leeds, UK, combining memory and computer chips into one device. “It maybe gives more hope to the idea that we could make spintronic devices become a reality,” says Barker.

Journal reference

Nature DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06907-7

Article amended on 15 February 2024

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New Fundamental Physics Uncovered – Experiments Prove the Existence of a New Type of Magnetism

By Miriam Arrell, Paul Scherrer Institute February 14, 2024

New Magnetism Concept

Altermagnetism introduces a third magnetic phase, combining the non-magnetization of antiferromagnets with the strong spin-dependent phenomena of ferromagnets. Discovered through international collaboration, this new phase offers significant potential for spintronics, bridging previous gaps in magnetic material applications. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

Experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS prove the existence of a new type of magnetism, with broad implications for technology and research.

There is now a new addition to the magnetic family: thanks to experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS, researchers have proved the existence of altermagnetism. The experimental discovery of this new branch of magnetism is reported in Nature and signifies new fundamental physics, with major implications for spintronics.

Magnetism is a lot more than just things that stick to the fridge. This understanding came with the discovery of antiferromagnets nearly a century ago. Since then, the family of magnetic materials has been divided into two fundamental phases: the ferromagnetic branch known for several millennia and the antiferromagnetic branch. The experimental proof of a third branch of magnetism, termed altermagnetism, was made at the Swiss Light Source (SLS), by an international collaboration led by the Czech Academy of Sciences together with Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).

The fundamental magnetic phases are defined by the specific spontaneous arrangements of magnetic moments – or electron spins – and of atoms that carry the moments in crystals. Ferromagnets are the type of magnets that stick to the fridge: here spins point in the same direction, giving macroscopic magnetism. In antiferromagnetic materials, spins point in alternating directions, with the result that the materials possess no macroscopic net magnetization – and thus don’t stick to the fridge. Although other types of magnetism, such as diamagnetism and paramagnetism have been categorized, these describe specific responses to externally applied magnetic fields rather than spontaneous magnetic orderings in materials.

Discovery and Properties of Altermagnets

Altermagnets have a special combination of the arrangement of spins and crystal symmetries. The spins alternate, as in antiferromagnets, resulting in no net magnetization. Yet, rather than simply canceling out, the symmetries give an electronic band structure with strong spin polarization that flips in direction as you pass through the material’s energy bands – hence the name altermagnets. This results in highly useful properties more resemblant of ferromagnets, as well as some completely new properties.

Juraj Krempasky at Swiss Light Source SLS

In Nature, researchers report the discovery of a new type of fundamental magnetism, termed ‘altermagnetism’. Here, Juraj Krempasky, scientist at PSI and first author of the publication stands at the Swiss Light Source SLS where the experimental proof of altermagnetism was made. Credit: Paul Scherrer Institut / Mahir Dzambegovic

Implications for Spintronics

This third magnetic sibling offers distinct advantages for the developing field of next-generation magnetic memory technology, known as spintronics. Whereas electronics makes use only of the charge of the electrons, spintronics also exploits the spin-state of electrons to carry information.

Although spintronics has for some years promised to revolutionize IT, it’s still in its infancy. Typically, ferromagnets have been used for such devices, as they offer certain highly desirable strong spin-dependent physical phenomena. Yet the macroscopic net magnetization that is useful in so many other applications poses practical limitations on the scalability of these devices as it causes crosstalk between bits – the information carrying elements in data storage.

More recently, antiferromagnets have been investigated for spintronics, as they benefit from having no net magnetization and thus offer ultra-scalability and energy efficiency. However, the strong spin-dependent effects that are so useful in ferromagnets are lacking, again hindering their practical applicability.

Here enter altermagnets with the best of both: zero net magnetisation together with the coveted strong spin-dependent phenomena typically found in ferromagnets – merits that were regarded as principally incompatible.

“That’s the magic about altermagnets,” says Tomáš Jungwirth from the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, principal investigator of the study. “Something that people believed was impossible until recent theoretical predictions is in fact possible.”

Theoretical Predictions and Experimental Validation

Murmurings that a new type of magnetism was lurking began not long ago: In 2019, Jungwirth together with theoretical colleagues at the Czech Academy of Sciences and University of Mainz identified a class of magnetic materials with a spin structure that did not fit within the classic descriptions of ferromagnetism or antiferromagnetism.

In 2022, the theorists published their predictions of the existence of altermagnetism. They uncovered more than two hundred altermagnetic candidates in materials ranging from insulators and semiconductors , to metals and superconductors. Many of these materials have been well known and extensively explored in the past, without noticing their altermagnetic nature. Due to the huge research and application opportunities that altermagnetism poses, these predictions caused great excitement within the community. The search was on.

Obtaining direct experimental proof of altermagnetism’s existence required demonstrating the unique spin symmetry characteristics predicted in altermagnets. The proof came using spin- and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy at the SIS (COPHEE endstation) and ADRESS beamlines of the SLS. This technique enabled the team to visualize a tell-tale feature in the electronic structure of a suspected altermagnet: the splitting of electronic bands corresponding to different spin states, known as the lifting of Kramers spin degeneracy.

The discovery was made in crystals of manganese telluride, a well-known simple two-element material. Traditionally, the material has been regarded as a classic antiferromagnet because the magnetic moments on neighboring manganese atoms point in opposite directions, generating a vanishing net magnetization.

“Now that we have brought it to light, many people around the world will be able to work on it.” — Tomáš Jungwirth

However, antiferromagnets should not exhibit lifted Kramers spin degeneracy by the magnetic order, whereas ferromagnets or altermagnets should. When the scientists saw the lifting of Kramers spin degeneracy, accompanied by the vanishing net magnetization, they knew they were looking at an altermagnet.

“Thanks to the high precision and sensitivity of our measurements, we could detect the characteristic alternating splitting of the energy levels corresponding to opposite spin states and thus demonstrate that manganese telluride is neither a conventional antiferromagnet nor a conventional ferromagnet but belongs to the new altermagnetic branch of magnetic materials,” says Juraj Krempasky, beamline scientist in the Beamline Optics Group at PSI and first author of the study.

The beamlines that enabled this discovery are now disassembled, awaiting the SLS 2.0 upgrade. After twenty years of successful science, the COPHEE endstation will be completely integrated into the new ‘QUEST’ beamline. “It was with the last photons of light at COPHEE that we made these experiments. That they gave such an important scientific breakthrough is very emotional for us,” adds Krempasky.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The researchers believe that this new fundamental discovery in magnetism will enrich our understanding of condensed-matter physics, with impact across diverse areas of research and technology. As well as its advantages to the developing field of spintronics, it also offers a promising platform for exploring unconventional superconductivity, through new insights into superconducting states that can arise in different magnetic materials.

“Altermagnetism is actually not something hugely complicated. It is something entirely fundamental that was in front of our eyes for decades without noticing it,” says Jungwirth. “And it is not something that exists only in a few obscure materials. It exists in many crystals that people simply had in their drawers. In that sense, now that we have brought it to light, many people around the world will be able to work on it, giving the potential for a broad impact.”

Reference: “Altermagnetic lifting of Kramers spin degeneracy” by J. Krempaský, L. Šmejkal, S. W. D’Souza, M. Hajlaoui, G. Springholz, K. Uhlířová, F. Alarab, P. C. Constantinou, V. Strocov, D. Usanov, W. R. Pudelko, R. González-Hernández, A. Birk Hellenes, Z. Jansa, H. Reichlová, Z. Šobáň, R. D. Gonzalez Betancourt, P. Wadley, J. Sinova, D. Kriegner, J. Minár, J. H. Dil and T. Jungwirth, 14 February 2024, Nature . DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06907-7

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3 comments on "new fundamental physics uncovered – experiments prove the existence of a new type of magnetism".

physics experiments with magnets

Richard Feynman would spin in his grave.

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physics experiments with magnets

Left me confused! Gave me no real ideal what this is, how it works and practical way it will be used in our life. Very vague! Examples uses of the three types and how they differ. One is like a magnet for the fridge leaves me wondering what I can relate the other two. I have no clue what it is. They spent way too much time blabbing on about nothing useful to my understanding!

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