• Question: How do magnetic fields form?

    Asked by King LillEm to Tim on 13 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Tim Duckenfield

      Tim Duckenfield answered on 13 Mar 2018:


      Well this is actually a really deep question, I love it! Generally, magnetic fields are made when you get something that is charged, and move it about. It’s all about movement. It’s wonderful because it is magic, it is literally waving special rocks and objects about to make invisible fields, but we understand it using science!

      The most common thing that has a charge, which moves, are electrons. ELECTRICITY is just electrons that are flowing, and therefore moving charge. So electricity makes magnetic fields! In the Sun and stars, there are electrons and ions that flow, because it is so hot they literally boil. This movement causes a magnetic field!

      Permanent magnets like the bar magnets in the classroom, are magnetic because of the electrons that are in the metal line up, ready to move if another magnet (or some iron filings etc) come near. It can get quite complicated, but always remember, MOVING CHARGE.

      One final interesting point – electric fields and magnetic fields are actually THE SAME THING, it depends how you look at them/how YOU are moving… I can tell you more if you’d like 🙂

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