Magnetism and electricity are closely related because in most instances, both of them work concurrently to produce the desired product or technology. In other words, magnetism is another form of electricity. For example, an electric field is created by an electric charge that is stationary. The latter is capable of producing static electricity. In addition, when an electric charge moves from one position to another, a flowing electric current (electricity) is generated. It is common knowledge that magnetic power causes the flow of electric charge and eventually generates electricity.
Importance of magnetism interdependence with electricity
A magnetic field is easily created around any permanent magnet. It is interesting to mention that this magnetic field creates or generates an electric charge. There are two main mechanisms through which the relationship between magnets and electricity can produce desired results. To begin with, the nucleus refers to the centre of an atom. Electrons (that generate electricity) usually move around the centre of an atom (Moliton 106). Thereafter, a magnetic field is created as electrons continue to move around the atom, bearing in mind that these electrons usually possess either positive or negative charges. Moreover, when the electrons themselves spin on their own axis, an electric field is generated. In fact, electrons in this case are regarded as little objects that are charged and therefore, as they move around the nucleus, electric charge and current are created. The latter explains the importance of interrelationship between magnetism and electricity.
As already mentioned, when electric power or charge flows, it generates electricity. There are myriads of products or technologies that rely on the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Various sources of electricity exist. These include nuclear energy, sun, wind, water, and coal among others. However, the most important issue here is how the relationship between the two aspects can be used in the most productive way (Moliton 81).
Our daily lives make use of electromagnetism in various ways. Electromagnetic principles have been applied in the microwave ovens, table clocks and other home appliances that we interact with on a daily basis. In fact, the ability to turn on or off electric appliances is made possible by the influence of electromagnetism (Bloomfield 61).
Heavy objects can be easily moved using the technology derived from electricity and magnetism. For instance, an iron core can be used to make strong electromagnets. An electric current is then allowed to flow through the iron core using a conductor tied around it. The electromagnet can be modified to produce any desired strength. The only determining factor is the amount of electric current allowed to flow through the conducting material. It is also possible to initiate and terminate the flow of current. These two actions can lead to the formation of an electromagnet and also the loss of energy depending on the work that is being carried out. Hence, it is possible to move very heavy loads from one point to another (Bloomfield 39).
The electromagnets are powered through the circuit connected to a source of electricity. The latter process energizes the electromagnets. As a result, the scrap metals or heavy metallic loads are then attracted by the magnets and transported to the desired position. Once the metallic load has been transported to the right place, electricity is switched off from the source leading to loss of energy of the large magnet. Therefore, the metallic load eventually detaches itself from the magnet.
The second application of the relationship between electricity and magnetism is in the movement of electric trains. There are two ways through which an electric rail engine can be supplied with electric power. First, an overhead power source can be integrated in the rail system in order to provide the required source of power. Alternatively, electric rails can be used to supply electric power. The required amount of power is regulated by an onboard transformer. This is similar to the working principle of a substation that runs on wheels. In addition, the driver can regulate the amount of power supplied to the train.
There are axles on the electric train that should be provided with power. The traction motors are electrified so that the axles can move. It is important to note that the engines have wheels that are directly connected to the axles. These wheels are responsible for the forward push whenever the axle wheels have been supplied with electric power. Any source of electricity can be used to provide energy for moving the train. For instance, hydroelectric power, windmills and diesel engines can be used to generate electricity needed. The third rail, battery or overhead lines can all be used to transmit electric energy. During the working process, the metal track releases an electric charge that is also magnetic in nature. This takes place in the metallic wheels in the engines that usually move along the railway line. Thereafter, the electric motor receives the electric energy from the engine’s wheels. As a result, it drives the electric motor. The latter is then adjoined to the wheels of the train. This is made possible via a mechanized drive arrangement. When the locomotive’s motor is being turned by the electric current, the gears are consequently moved. As a result, the engine’s wheels are rotated causing the eventual movement of the locomotive along the rail track.
To sum up, it can be seen that the relationship between electricity and magnetism has several benefits in our daily lives. The future inventions will continue to rely on this type of interdependence to produce even better products.
Works Cited
Bloomfield, Louis. How Everything Works: Making Physics Out of the Ordinary. Oxford: Wiley, 2007. Print.
Moliton, André. Basic electromagnetism and materials. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2007. Print.