GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Another way to visualize magnetic field lines is to sprinkle iron filings around a magnet. The filings will orient themselves along the magnetic field lines, forming a pattern such as that shown on the right in Figure 20.10.

Detailed explanation-2: -With iron filings or with plotting compasses As the filings are scattered around the magnet they become temporary magnets (by magnetic induction) and line up end-to-end. The filings tend to clump together around the poles of the magnet, indicating that this is where the magnetic field is strongest.

Detailed explanation-3: -Iron filings are small shavings of a ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic (for the purposes of this page, at least) means that they will align themselves with a magnetic field. That being the case, iron filings are an excellent way to display the magnetic field of one or multiple bar magnets.

Detailed explanation-4: -Tiny bits of iron, such as iron filings, align to form a detailed map of field lines because the north pole of one piece orients to repel the north pole of another piece and attract its south pole.

Detailed explanation-5: -Iron filings are an example of magnetic materials. When spread across a bar magnet, they respond to the magnetic effect of the bar magnet and align themselves according to its magnetic field lines.