This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Permanent Magnets vs. Electromagnets! Remember, please send us what side you think is more useful by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form.
Permanent Magnets
Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets attract or repel things made out of iron, nickel, and cobalt. Objects are magnetic because the electrons, which spin around an atom’s nucleus, are spinning in the same direction (they are all lined up). The spinning electrons create an invisible magnetic field, which can attract certain types of metal. The atoms in metals are lined up in the same direction, which means that the metals can stick to magnets. Magnets have 2 poles: a North and South pole. Like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
Electromagnets
Electromagnets are a type of temporary magnet that has a magnetic field made by electricity. A temporary magnet is a magnet that is not permanently a magnet. An electromagnet is made by wrapping a piece of wire around a piece of iron. When you run electricity through the wire, the electrons create a magnetic field around the coils of wire, which can attract objects with iron inside of them. An electromagnet can be turned on and off. It’s South and North poles can be reversed with the direction of the battery. This is why electromagnets are use in almost all electrical devices!