Magnetic Fields and Forces
Definition of Magnetism: A non-contact force caused by the motion of electric
charges, resulting in attractive or repulsive forces between objects.
The Three Magnetic Metals: Magnets do not attract all metals. They only attract
Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt.
Magnetic Fields: The invisible area of force surrounding a magnet where the
magnetic force can be felt.
Field Line Direction: Magnetic field lines always flow out from the North Pole
and curve around into the South Pole. The lines are closest and strongest at the
poles.
The Law of Magnetic Poles: Same poles repel (N and N) or (S and S). Opposite
poles attract (N and S).
Permanent Magnets: Objects that retain their magnetism completely on their
own for a long time, like a fridge magnet.
Temporary Magnets: Materials that only act like a magnet when they are inside
a strong magnetic field, like a paperclip sticking to a magnet, which can then
pick up another paperclip.
Electromagnets: A temporary magnet made by wrapping a coil of wire around
an iron core and running an electric current through it. You can turn them on
and off with a switch.
Lumen Learning n.d., Magnetic fields and magnetic field lines, Physics Course, viewed 2 July 2026, lumenlearning.com.
Oxford University Press 2020, Oxford Science 7 NSW Australian Curriculum, Student Book, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Twinkl 2023, What is a magnet?, Twinkl Teaching Wiki, viewed 2 July 2026, twinkl.com.au
Definition of Magnetism: A non-contact force caused by the motion of electric
charges, resulting in attractive or repulsive forces between objects.
The Three Magnetic Metals: Magnets do not attract all metals. They only attract
Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt.
Magnetic Fields: The invisible area of force surrounding a magnet where the
magnetic force can be felt.
Field Line Direction: Magnetic field lines always flow out from the North Pole
and curve around into the South Pole. The lines are closest and strongest at the
poles.
The Law of Magnetic Poles: Same poles repel (N and N) or (S and S). Opposite
poles attract (N and S).
Permanent Magnets: Objects that retain their magnetism completely on their
own for a long time, like a fridge magnet.
Temporary Magnets: Materials that only act like a magnet when they are inside
a strong magnetic field, like a paperclip sticking to a magnet, which can then
pick up another paperclip.
Electromagnets: A temporary magnet made by wrapping a coil of wire around
an iron core and running an electric current through it. You can turn them on
and off with a switch.
Lumen Learning n.d., Magnetic fields and magnetic field lines, Physics Course, viewed 2 July 2026, lumenlearning.com.
Oxford University Press 2020, Oxford Science 7 NSW Australian Curriculum, Student Book, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Twinkl 2023, What is a magnet?, Twinkl Teaching Wiki, viewed 2 July 2026, twinkl.com.au
