ELECTRONIC PRINCIPLES - OD1647 - LESSON 1/TASK 1
(1) Lines of Force. To further describe and work with
magnetic phenomena, lines are used to represent the force
existing in the area surrounding a magnet. (figure 4). Theses
lines, called MAGNETIC LINES OF FORCE, do not actually exist,
but are imaginary lines used to illustrate and describe the
pattern of the magnetic field. The magnetic lines of force are
assumed to emanate from the north pole of a magnet, pass through
the surrounding space, and enter the south pole. The lines of
force then travel inside the magnet from the south pole to the
north pole, thus completing a closed loop.
FIGURE 4. BAR MAGNET SHOWING LINES OF FORCE.
When two magnetic poles are brought close together, the mutual
attraction or repulsion of the poles produces a more complicated
pattern than that of a single magnet. These magnetic lines of
force can be plotted by placing a compass at various points
throughout the magnetic field, or they can be
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