|
|
mag·net·ism (m g n -t z m)n.1. The class of phenomena exhibited by a magnetic field. 2. The study of magnets and their effects. 3. The force exerted by a magnetic field. 4. Unusual power to attract, fascinate, or influence: the magnetism of money. 5. Animal magnetism. |
magnetism [ˈmægnɪˌtɪzəm]n1. (Physics / General Physics) the property of attraction displayed by magnets 3. (Physics / General Physics) the branch of physics concerned with magnetic phenomena 4. powerful attraction magnetist n
magnetism (m g n -t z m)1. The properties or effects of magnetic fields. 2. The force produced by a magnetic field. See more at magnetic field. A Closer Look Magnetism is intimately linked with electricity, in that a magnetic field is established whenever electric charges are in motion, as in the flow of electrons in a wire, or the movement of electrons around an atomic nucleus. In atoms, this invisible field consists of closed loops called lines of force that surround and run through the atom. Magnetic regions where lines of force come together densely are called north and south poles. In substances in which the magnetic fields of each atom are aligned, the magnetic field causes the entire substance to act like single magnet  with north and south poles and a surrounding magnetic field. Permanent magnets are made of substances that retain this alignment. If a magnet is cut in two, each piece becomes a separate magnet with two poles. A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core can be made magnetic by running electric current through it; the looping electrons then create a magnetic field in just the same way as the spinning electrons in individual atoms. As long as current flows, the coil remains magnetized. Such magnets, called electromagnets, are used in many devices such as doorbells and switches. The connection between electric and magnetic fields is not one of cause and effect, however. Einstein showed that both the magnetic and electric fields are part of a single electromagnetic field, described by a single mathematical object called a tensor. Observers in different reference frames will not observe the same separate values for electric and magnetic fields, but will observe identical electromagnetic tensors. Whether or not magnetic monopoles (elementary particles carrying an isolated north or south magnetic "charge," analogous to positive or negative electric charge) actually exist remains unknown; though they are predicted by some theories, none have been detected. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | magnetism - attraction for iron; associated with electric currents as well as magnets; characterized by fields of forceelectromagnetism - magnetism produced by an electric current; "electromagnetism was discovered when it was observed that a copper wire carrying an electric current can magnetize pieces of iron or steel near it" antiferromagnetism - magnetic field creates parallel but opposing spins; varies with temperature diamagnetism - phenomenon exhibited by materials like copper or bismuth that become magnetized in a magnetic field with a polarity opposite to the magnetic force; unlike iron they are slightly repelled by a magnet ferromagnetism - phenomenon exhibited by materials like iron (nickel or cobalt) that become magnetized in a magnetic field and retain their magnetism when the field is removed paramagnetism - materials like aluminum or platinum become magnetized in a magnetic field but it disappears when the field is removed | | 2. | magnetism - the branch of science that studies magnetism |
magnetismnoun charm, appeal, attraction, power, draw, pull, spell, magic, fascination, charisma, attractiveness, allure, enchantment, hypnotism, drawing power, seductiveness, mesmerism, captivatingness There was no doubting the animal magnetism of the man.
Translations magnetism [ˈmægnɪtɪzəm] n (fig) (= attraction) [ person, place] → magnétisme m animal magnetismmagnet school n (US) école en zone d'éducation prioritaire
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
|