INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetism and the Magnetic Field

The concept of “ free space “ may be visually appealing to the senses, but this perception very rarely ( if ever ) describes any meaningful description of any region of space. This argument can easily be confirmed with objects as simple as paper clips and refrigerator magnets. Under the right conditions, seemingly magical forcesContinue reading INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetism and the Magnetic Field

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Electromagnet Fundamentals

Thus far, we’ve seen how charge ( q ) in motion has the ability to give rise to magnetic fields ( B ) within certain material types. It will now be useful to see how certain rules are used to determine which direction this magnetic flux ( ɸ ) will travel within a given magneticContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Electromagnet Fundamentals”

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Magnetomotive Force

The relationship between cause, effect, and resistance ( R ) to change are beautifully summed up by the Ohm’s law equation: ( V / R ) = I The greater the ability a system has to resist change, the less so that change will be observed. As far as Ohm’s law is concerned, change isContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Magnetomotive Force”

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Reluctance and Permeability of Magnetic Materials

Q: A blacksmith splits open a doughnut-shaped torus as pictured below: The inner radius of the torus is 1.75 cm, and the outside radius is 2.25 cm. If the torus is made of low-carbon steel, what is its reluctance? A: Let’s begin by viewing the torus from above prior to being split apart: The threeContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Reluctance and Permeability of Magnetic Materials”

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Permeability and Reluctance of Magnetic Materials

Many uncanny comparisons can be made between the behavior of electric currents and magnetic flux ( ϕ ) within conductive materials. In the same way that some materials conduct current better than others, metallic materials differentially provide pathways through which magnetic flux can permeate. The permeability ( μ ) of any material is relative toContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Permeability and Reluctance of Magnetic Materials”

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Flux Density

Magnetic field lines represent regions of space that have the ability to enact forces upon charged particles in motion. Likewise, a stationary charged particle will experience a force from a nearby magnet when it is put into motion. Time and time again, we will see that the magnitude of the force enacted by a magneticContinue reading INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Flux Density

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetism and the Magnetic Field

The concept of “ free space “ may be visually appealing to the senses, but this perception very rarely ( if ever ) describes any meaningful description of any region of space. This argument can easily be confirmed with objects as simple as paper clips and refrigerator magnets. Under the right conditions, seemingly magical forcesContinue reading INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetism and the Magnetic Field