Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Photoessay by Savannah and Lauren
Computer Printer
Many computer printers rely on electromagnets to power their motors which then power the printer's moving parts. These motors are known as stepper motors. A single stepper motor contains several stationary electromagnets known collectively as the stator, which surrounds a rotating, permanent magnet, known as the rotor. According to Images Scientific Instruments, to generate power, the motor conducts an electrical current into only one electromagnet at a time. As each electromagnet activates in the electromagnetism spectrum, it pulls the rotor towards it. Printers have helped spread ideas throughout the world.
Devaney, Erik. "What Home Appliances Use Electromagnets?" EHow. Demand Media, 01 Sept. 2010. Web. 02 May 2013. <http://www.ehow.com/list_7179595_home-appliances-use-electromagnets_.html>.
Speaker
In a speaker, an electromagnet is placed in front of a permanent magnet force. The permanent magnet is fixed firmly into position whereas the electromagnet can move. As pulses of electricity pass through the coil of the electromagnet, the direction of its magnetic field is rapidly changed. This means that it is in turn attracted to and repelled from the permanent magnet, vibrating back and forth. The sound vibrates off so you can hear the music. Speakers help provide entertainment and the spread of knowledge and information to different people as the sound is able to be heard from afar.
"How Do Speakers Work?| Explore | Physics.org." How Do Speakers Work?| Explore | Physics.org. IOP, n.d. Web. 02 May 2013. <http://www.physics.org/article-questions.asp?id=54>
Toaster
When you push down a toaster tab on a functioning toaster, a piece of material wedges itself in between two electrical prongs, thereby completing a circuit. The resulting electrical current, in addition to producing heat, activates a small electromagnet in the electric field. This electromagnet attracts a metallic section on the back of the tab, holding it, and the wire bread-clamps that hold the bread, in place. Once the toaster heats the bread for the time you set it for, it will disrupt the electrical current and electric force and deactivate the electromagnet, allowing the tab and clamps to pop back up. Toasters allow humans to have perfectly toasted bread. Toasters also help warm food in an easy and efficient way.
Devaney, Erik. "What Home Appliances Use Electromagnets?" EHow. Demand Media, 01 Sept. 2010. Web. 02 May 2013. <http://www.ehow.com/list_7179595_home-appliances-use-electromagnets_.html>.
Computer
When you save data to the hard drive in your computer, for example, tiny, magnetized pieces of metal are embedded onto a disk in a pattern specific to the saved information. This data started life as binary digital computer language (0s and 1s). When you retrieve this information, the pattern is converted into the original binary pattern and translated into a usable source. The electrical force running through then computer’s circuitry magnetizes those tiny bits of metal. The advancement in technology with computers has drastically changed life today by giving people easy access to all the information the world has to offer gathered in one place- the internet. Computers have also helped advanced communication among people everywhere who also have internet.
Brain, Marshall, and Lance Looper. "How Electromagnets Work" 01 April 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. 02 May 2013. <http://www.howstuffworks.com/electromagnet.htm>
Blender
James, David. "Everyday Uses of Electromagnets." EHow. Demand Media, 29 Mar. 2011. Web. 02 May 2013. <http://www.ehow.com/info_8131787_everyday-uses-electromagnets.html>
Fan
In this electric motor, the fan's rotation is caused by two magnetic fields that oppose each other. In the permanent magnet motor, the magnetic field from the permanent magnets are constant and the other field is turned on and off at the right time so the fields oppose, causing rotation. The induction of energy benefits us as we are able to cool off our houses and ourselves better with fans.
Gable, Christine and Scott. "How Electric Motors and Generators Work." About.com Hybrid Cars & Alt Fuels. About.com, n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.
Northstar Generator
Gable, Christine and Scott. "How Electric Motors and Generators Work." About.com Hybrid Cars & Alt Fuels. About.com, n.d. Web. 02 May 2013.