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: Magnetic Field Intensity and Hysteresis

Please recall that the magnetomotive force ( Fm ) equation shows how the magnitude of current ( I ) flowing through ( N ) loops of wire determine how much flux ( ɸ ) is established within a metal core around which the wire is wrapped: Fm = NI It is important to remember thatContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Field Intensity and Hysteresis”

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”