Class 12 Physics — Chapter 5: Magnetism and Matter

What you'll learn

• ▸Basic Properties of Magnets
• ▸Magnetic Field Lines
• ▸The Bar Magnet as an Equivalent Solenoid
• ▸Torque on a Magnetic Dipole in a Uniform Field
• ▸Magnetic Potential Energy of a Dipole
• ▸Force vs. Torque on a Magnetic Dipole

Chapter Summary

--- PAGE 1 --- Chapter Five MAGNETISM AND MATTER 5.1 INTRODUCTION Magnetic phenomena are universal in nature. Vast, distant galaxies, the tiny invisible atoms, humans and beasts all are permeated through and through with a host of magnetic fields from a variety of sources. The earth's magnetism predates human evolution. The word magnet is derived from the name of an island in Greece called *magnesia* where magnetic ore deposits were found, as early as 600 BC. In the previous chapter we have learned that moving charges or electric currents produce magnetic fields. This discovery, which was made in the early part of the nineteenth century is credited to Oersted, Ampere, Biot and Savart, among others. In the present chapter, we take a look at magnetism as a subject in its own right. Some of the commonly known ideas regarding magnetism are: (i) The earth behaves as a magnet with the magnetic field pointing approximately from the geographic south to the north. (ii) When a bar magnet is…

Practice Questions from this Chapter

Tap "Get Solution" on any question to ask our AI tutor.

1. Describe how Earth's magnetic field protects us. Get Solution →
2. Show magnetic fields around household items. Get Solution →
3. Build a working electromagnet at home. Get Solution →
4. The word 'magnet' is derived from the name of an island in which country? Get Solution →
5. When a bar magnet is freely suspended, the tip that points to the geographic north is called what? Get Solution →
6. What kind of force is observed when the north pole of one magnet is brought close to the north pole of another magnet? Get Solution →
7. According to the text, can isolated magnetic north or south poles, known as magnetic monopoles, exist? Get Solution →
8. What happens if a bar magnet is broken into two halves? Get Solution →

Did you know?

• 💡 Earth's magnetic poles have flipped hundreds of times throughout geological history.
• 💡 Pigeons, turtles, and even bacteria can sense and use Earth's magnetic field to navigate.
• 💡 The first known compass, made of lodestone, was used in China over 2000 years ago.
• 💡 You cannot have a magnet with only one pole; breaking a magnet creates new poles.
• 💡 Powerful magnets can make a frog float in mid-air due to a force called diamagnetism.

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