Magnetism Vocabulary
atom—the smallest particle of an element that retains the properties of that element
attract—pull toward
compass—an instrument used to determine direction; it is made by allowing a compass to move
freely and detect the earth’s magnetic field, making the compass point North
cow magnet—a magnet shaped like a large vitamin tablet, given by farmers to cows, to keep
sharp pieces of metal in the stomach (so they do not damage delicate intestines)
electromagnet—a temporary magnet that is made when electric current runs through a coil
wrapped around an iron core
iron filings—tiny bits of iron
lines of force—lines that show the pattern of a magnetic field
lodestone—a naturally occurring magnet; it looks like a rock, but behaves like a magnet. (the
word originally was “lead-stone”, since a magnet could be made into a compass, which leads
you northward)
magnet—an object whose electrons’ magnetic fields have been aligned so that the object will
attract iron, nickel or cobalt.
magnetic field—the region surrounding a magnetic object in which the magnetic force acts
magnetic pole—the location on a magnet where the magnetic field is strongest; every magnet
has a north pole and a south pole; like poles repel and opposite poles attract
magnetism—the property of having a magnetic field, and being able to attract iron, nickel or
cobalt
north pole—name given to one pole of any magnet, including the earth; the magnetic north pole
of the earth is not in the same location as “the north pole” which refers to earth’s axis of
rotation
repel—push away
south pole—the opposite pole of the north pole (see north pole)