Electromagnetism
Permanent and Induced Magnets
To distinguish permanent and induced magnets and explain how magnetic materials respond to a magnetic field.

What you will learn

The difference between permanent and induced magnets

Which materials can be magnetised

Why unlike poles attract and like poles repel

How a magnetic material becomes temporarily magnetised

How to recognise induced magnetism in examples
Explanation
A permanent magnet produces its own lasting magnetic field. An induced magnet becomes magnetic in an external field; some materials lose most induced magnetism when the field is removed. Induced magnetism causes attraction to the inducing magnet. Iron is useful for temporary electromagnets because it is readily magnetised and demagnetised. Example: Explain an iron nail attracted to a north pole. The near end becomes an induced south pole, giving attraction. Use clear labels. Justify your answer.
