Physics - Lesson 1.2

Lesson 1.2 - Inside a Magnet
How can an atom behave like a magnet?

Key Concept
  • How can an atom behave like a magnet?
 Vocabulary
  • atom
  • element
  • nucleus
  • proton
  • neutron
  • electron
  • magnetic domain
  • ferromagnetic
  • temporary magnet
  • permanent magnet
Matter
  • The magnetic properties of a material depend on the structure of its atoms.
  • All matter is made up of atoms.
  




Atoms and Elements
  • An atom is the smallest particle of an element that has the properties of that element.
  • An element is one of about 100 basic materials that make up all matter.







  


Nucleus
  • Every atom has a center region and an outer region.
  • The center region of an atom is called a nucleus.









Protons and Neutrons
  • Inside the nucleus two kinds of particles are found.
  • A proton is a particle that carries a positive charge.
  • A neutron is a particle that does not carry an electric charge.














Electrons
  • Particles called electrons usually exist in the outer region.
  • An electron is a particle that carries a negative charge.




  




 Atoms are tiny Magnets
  • A spinning electron produces a magnetic field that makes the electron behave like a tiny magnet in an atom.
  • Some atoms contain electrons that are not paired.
  • These atoms tend to have strong magnetic properties.