Unit 5 Atomic physics
Notes
- In the diagram above the magnets are placed so that the poles repel. There will be a point between the magnets where the magnetic fields cancel each other out; this is called the neutral point.
- In the diagram above the magnets are placed so that the poles are attracting. Between the magnets is a region where the field lines are nearly parallel. This means the field is non-uniform in that region because the magnets are weak.
- To create a uniform field, stronger magnets are required; we can use special magnets called magnadur magnets. Magnadur is a ceramic material containing oxides of iron used for making magnets. These magnets can be made with the poles on the faces of the magnets rather than on the ends. This means that when positioned with the opposite poles facing (see following diagram), the field lines will be straight and parallel in the region between the poles, i.e. the field is uniform in that region.
