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School Physics Notes: Electricity-magnetism 9.4 Uses of permanent magnets

GCSE level physics study notes: Magnetism:

9.4 Uses of permanent magnets

[Author © Dr WP Brown PhD: Doc Brown's physics exam revision notes suitable for students of UK IGCSE & GCSE level physics courses, ~ US grades 9-10 physics, updated Feb 20th 2026 *]

[KEY POINTS and learning objectives for this page, after initial notes]

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INDEX for physics notes on magnetism

9.4 Uses of permanent magnets

(See other page for electromagnet uses)

magnetic objects stuck on a fridge door

Sticking things on the refrigerator! or any other iron or steel surface - a magnetisable metal surface.

 

Loudspeakers use permanent magnets.

For details see Part 11.6 The loudspeaker

 

Magnetic screwdrivers help hold the screw in position in hard to reach places.

 

Jewellery clasps can be made of permanent magnetic materials.

 

A compass is essentially a small bar magnet in which the steel needle of the compass measures the direction with respect to the Earth's magnetic poles (see part 9.5).

 

INDEX for physics notes on magnetism
(excluding electromagnetism)

Key points about magnetism - uses of permanent magnets

Information sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA and CIE GCSE physics 9-1 level science examinations

Permanent Magnets: Summary Revision Notes

What Are Permanent Magnets?

  • Permanent magnets produce their own magnetic field continuously.
  • Made from magnetic materials like steel, iron, nickel, or cobalt.
  • Unlike induced magnets, they do not lose their magnetism easily.

More on the Uses of Permanent Magnets

Application Description
Compass A small bar magnet aligns with Earth’s magnetic field to indicate direction.
Fridge doors Magnetic strips keep the door sealed shut.
Electric motors Permanent magnets interact with current-carrying coils to produce rotation.
Generators Use rotating magnets to induce current in coils (generator effect).
Speakers & microphones Vibrating coils in a magnetic field convert electrical signals to sound and vice versa.
Magnetic locks Used in security systems to hold doors closed until deactivated.
Magnetic levitation (Maglev) trains Use strong permanent magnets to lift and propel trains with minimal friction.
Reed switches Used in alarm systems; a magnetic field opens or closes the circuit.
Magnetic separators Used in recycling to separate magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones.

Exam Board Requirements

Key Focus Areas
Difference between permanent and induced magnets; uses in compasses and motors.
Applications in motors, generators, and everyday devices like fridge doors.
Magnetic fields, compass use, and practical applications of permanent magnets.
Real-life uses, including compasses, motors, and magnetic security systems.
Focus on magnetic materials, permanent versus induced magnets, and practical uses.
Emphasis on magnetic fields, compass use, and industrial applications.

Student Tips for Exams

  • Know the difference: Permanent magnets versus induced magnets.
  • Use examples: Compasses, motors, fridge doors—link to real-world applications.
  • Explain mechanisms: For example, how a compass needle aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
  • Draw field lines: Show magnetic field patterns around bar magnets.
  • Use correct terminology: magnetic field, north/south pole, attract/repel, non-contact force.

Keywords, phrases and learning objectives on magnetism

Be able to describe the uses of permanent magnets in a loudspeaker, a compass, magnetic screwdriver, jewellery clasps and sticking things on the refrigerator on any other iron or steel surface.

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INDEX for physics notes on magnetism

 (excluding electromagnetism)

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