How does a pot magnet work?
How does a pot magnet work? |
||||
 |
A pot magnet works by attaching itself to ferromagnetic materials with the help of its magnetic field, or to non-ferromagnetic materials with the help of fittings (such as studs and threaded holes) on the top of its steel shell. For more information on how a magnet works, see the page: How does a magnet work? | |||
 |
The steel shell on a pot magnet means that it can hold a greater amount of ferromagnetic material. This is because the steel pot causes the magnetic force to be contained within the shell on the ferromagnetic surface, making the magnetic pull stronger. | |||
 |
This is in comparison to a horseshoe magnet or bar magnet where the magnetic field lines are splayed around the magnet and are not focused on the surface the magnet is attaching itself to. | |||
 |
As the magnetic field is concentrated in one area, the magnet will not be allowed to attract ferromagnetic materials over a large air gap. This is because the magnetic field lines will not stretch out beyond the sides of the shell. | |||
 |
The pull force of a pot magnet attracts the ferromagnetic material to the magnet, holding it in place. The larger the pull force of the pot magnet, the more material it can attract. | |||
 |
A magnet’s pull force is determined by a number of different factors; for example, how the magnet has been coated and any damage which may have occurred to the surface of the magnet.
For more details, see the: Things to consider section which begins with the page What types of magnet are available? and ends with the page How is the strength of a magnet tested? |
|||
