Introduction
Magnetization, also known as magnetization, is one of the elementary forces of nature, which has fascinated mankind since ancient times. This phenomenon, intrinsically linked to electricity, manifests itself through forces of attraction or repulsion between certain materials and magnetic fields. Throughout history, knowledge of magnetism has evolved from its observation in natural stones to its application in advanced technologies such as electromagnets and electronic devices.
In this article, we will explore what magnetism is, its history, its properties, and how it is related to electricity to give rise to electromagnetism, the basis of countless applications in science and industry.
Magnetization, a phenomenon linked to magnetism, describes the ability of certain materials to acquire magnetic properties when exposed to a magnetic field. This process is significant in the development of technologies such as electromagnets and electric motors, and has been fundamental to the advancement of various industries, from power generation to computing. In this article, we will discuss what magnetization is, the materials that exhibit it, its relationship with electricity and its applications in everyday life and modern technology.
What is magnetism?
This is one of the most studied and used physical phenomena in science and technology. It manifests itself through the interaction of certain materials with magnetic fields, generating forces of attraction or repulsion. In this context, magnetization is the process by which materials acquire magnetic properties when under the influence of an external magnetic field1. This phenomenon, present in both natural and artificial magnets, is fundamental to understanding everything from the behavior of the compass to the operation of advanced devices such as electrical generators.
Magnetic properties of materials: Dipoles and classifications
Magnetism affects all substances to varying degrees, depending on their composition and atomic structure. Some materials, such as ferromagnetic metals (iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys), are highly susceptible to magnetism and can become magnets, either of natural or artificial origin. For example, electromagnets are generated by the action of an electric current on certain materials, amplifying their magnetic capacity.
Most magnets are magnetic dipoles, which means that they have two opposite poles: a positive and a negative pole. These poles generate forces that interact with other magnetic materials or fields in their area of influence, following the basic rule that opposite poles attract, while like poles repel. This principle is not only observable in everyday magnets, but also on a planetary scale, where the Earth’s magnetic field, with its North and South poles, is fundamental to phenomena such as compass orientation.
At the microscopic level, magnetism also plays a crucial role in the orientation of molecules and atoms due to the distribution of electric charges in their structure. According to their response to magnetic fields, materials are classified into three main types:
- Diamagnetic: Weakly magnetic, tend to repel external magnetic fields.
- Paramagnetic: Moderately magnetic, they show a slight attraction to magnetic fields.
- Ferromagnetic: Highly magnetic, they can maintain their magnetization even in the absence of an external field.
This classification highlights the diversity of magnetic behaviors and their importance in the design and development of technological and industrial applications that depend on the manipulation of these properties.
What is magnetization or magnetization?
Magnetism is one of the most studied and used physical phenomena in science and technology. It manifests itself through the interaction of certain materials with magnetic fields, generating forces of attraction or repulsion. In this context, magnetization is the process by which materials acquire magnetic properties when under the influence of an external magnetic field1. This phenomenon, present in both natural and artificial magnets, is fundamental to understanding everything from the behavior of the compass to the operation of advanced devices such as electrical generators.
Magnetic field
A magnetic field is the representation of how magnetic forces are distributed in the space surrounding a magnetic source. Outside this field, there are no magnetic effects. A fundamental characteristic of magnetic fields is that they are dipolar, that is, they have a north pole and a south pole, unlike electric fields. As a consequence, the magnetic field lines are always closed and leave the north pole and arrive at the South Pole.
For a magnetic field to exist, there must be a source of magnetic energy, such as a magnet. These materials generate a magnetic field due to certain microscopic phenomena, created by what is known in physics as the spin of the electrons2.
A magnetic field is an electrically charged area that possesses a force produced as a result of traffic of electric charges. Once an element has been magnetized, it acquires the force of attraction and repulsion on other objects with the same properties.
History of magnetization
The study of magnetism dates back to Ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Thales of Miletus observed the properties of certain minerals, such as magnetite, that had the ability to attract iron. These “magnetized stones,” as they called them, laid the foundation for the initial understanding of magnetic phenomena.
Over time, interest in magnetism evolved. During the Middle Ages, practical applications such as the compass, which revolutionized navigation, were perfected. However, it was in the 19th century that magnetism began to be understood scientifically. Hans Christian Ørsted, in 1820, accidentally discovered that an electric current could deflect a compass needle, demonstrating for the first time the connection between electricity and magnetism.
This finding inspired scientists such as André-Marie Ampère, who formulated the first mathematical laws on magnetic forces, and Michael Faraday, who explored electromagnetic induction, laying the foundations of electromagnetism. These advances consolidated the idea that electricity and magnetism are manifestations of a single physical phenomenon, marking the beginning of a scientific revolution that would transform both theoretical physics and technological applications.
Today, magnetism remains a crucial area of study, with applications ranging from electric power generation to data storage and research into new materials. This legacy demonstrates how the early observations of the ancient Greeks led to discoveries that continue to shape the modern world.
Magnetization and its relation to electricity
The relationship between magnetism and electricity, known as electromagnetism, is fundamental to modern technology. When an electric current flows through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field around it. This phenomenon is exploited in electric motors, where the magnetic field rotates a shaft, transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy.
In addition, a variable magnetic field can induce an electric current in a conductor, a phenomenon known as electromagnetic induction. This principle is applied in electrical generators, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, as in the case of steam-driven generators.
Electromagnetism also enables advances such as magnetic levitation technology, which uses opposing magnetic fields to counteract gravity, allowing travel without direct contact. This technology is essential in magnetic levitation trains, which reach high speeds.
The study of the relationship between magnetism and electricity has been key to the development of motors, generators and magnetic levitation systems, driving technological innovation.
Technological applications of magnetism
Magnetism has been a transformative force in technology, from its earliest applications in navigation to its role in today’s most advanced innovations. This physical phenomenon, which results from the interaction between moving electric charges and magnetic fields, has evolved from its use in magnetic compasses in ancient times to sophisticated applications in electronics, medicine and renewable energy. The following are some of the most notable applications of magnetism in the field of technology2:
The navigation revolution and electric motors
The history of magnetism in technology begins with the invention of the magnetic compass in 9th century China. This tool, which harnessed the ability of magnetized needles to align with the earth’s magnetic field, was key to navigation on the high seas, allowing explorers to discover new routes and territories. Later, in the 19th century, Michael Faraday demonstrated how an electric current could interact with a magnet to generate motion, laying the foundations for electric motors. These devices, which transform electrical energy into motion, have revolutionized industries by enabling the development of industrial machinery, electric vehicles and household appliances.
Applications in electronics and data storage
As technology has advanced, magnetism has become an essential component of modern electronic systems. In the late 19th century, Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity, which led to the development of technologies such as vacuum tubes that use magnetic fields to control the flow of electrons.
Later, this understanding of magnetism was fundamental to the development of data storage devices such as hard disks, which use magnetic fields to write and read information. The ability to store large amounts of data efficiently and reliably continues to be an area of active research, with innovations seeking to improve the speed and capacity of these devices.
Magnetism in industry and energy production
In industry, magnetism plays a central role in a variety of applications. Electric motors used in the production of automobiles, heavy machinery and other industrial equipment rely on magnets to create the magnetic fields that enable rotor movement. In addition, magnets are crucial for the separation of materials in recycling processes, where they facilitate the extraction of ferromagnetic metals from other waste.
In the energy sector, electrical generators use magnetic fields to convert kinetic energy into electricity, a principle that underlies the operation of power plants and wind turbines.
Renewable energies and sustainable transportation
Magnetism is also key to renewable energy technologies. In the case of electric vehicles, motors are powered by the interaction between magnetic and electric fields, and their energy can come from renewable sources such as solar and wind. This sustainable approach not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, in desalination projects, magnets are used to remove contaminants from water, complementing the use of renewable energy to generate the electricity needed in this process.
Nanotechnology and spintronics
The combination of magnetism and nanotechnology has driven significant advances in medicine and electronics. In the medical field, magnetic nanomaterials are used in magnetic resonance imaging to obtain detailed images of the human body and in hyperthermia therapies to fight cancer cells. In electronics, technologies such as spintronics take advantage of the magnetic properties of the electron spin to develop devices that are faster and more efficient than those based solely on electric charge. This field promises to revolutionize computing and other technological sectors.
Magnetism in medicine
Electromagnets are fundamental tools in modern medicine, especially in diagnostic procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These devices generate powerful magnetic fields to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body, facilitating accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. In addition, therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) use magnetic fields to treat conditions such as depression, offering noninvasive and effective alternatives in certain cases.
Conclusions
From the first compasses to the current advances in computing and telecommunications, magnetism has played an important role in technological development. Its continuous study opens new possibilities to improve industrial processes and develop innovations that take full advantage of its properties. It is a fundamental component of electromagnetic radiation, with applications ranging from navigation to modern medicine. Its close relationship with electricity has enabled the development of electromagnetism, revolutionizing areas such as power generation, electronics and transportation.
Materials respond differently to magnetism, from diamagnetic materials, which barely interact, to ferromagnetic materials, which are highly sensitive. This diversity underscores the importance of understanding and manipulating magnetic properties to design effective technological solutions. This phenomenon, in its various manifestations, has proven to be a fundamental property for human progress, and its impact on society continues to grow, offering innovative solutions to the challenges of the present and the future.
Referencias
- https://materialesdeaprendizaje.org/Objetos/electricidad/Principios_del_magnetismo_/magnetizacin_y_campo_magntico.html
- https://imamagnets.com/pt-pt/blog/o-magnetismo-e-a-energia-renovavel/
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