Magnets
Classification
(aka resistance to structural change)
NOTE: This classification applies to specific transformational depths (from seed boundaries). SOS Classifications cannot be compared across different depths.
So a “resilient structure” classification for astronomical bodies cannot be compared to one for human immunity series.
Type of boundary
Others
NA
Understanding the boundary
Environmental context
Occurs at all scales of reality in different contexts.
Mechanism below helps separate physical objects that have magnetic properties from physical objects that do not have magnetic properties.
Mechanism for determining boundary
Two things will determine whether a system can be called a magnet:
- A physical distinguishing factor (that can be flexible) I.e., at some point an iron magnet will end and become some other material (e.g., the table the iron magnet is sitting on etc.). But we do have the flexibility to define the system as either (a) the magnet or (b) the table + magnet combo
- More importantly, whatever definition we choose: there must presence of magnetic domains (e.g., north/south poles) . These domains are specific physical regions which have an alignment of magnetic moments. They also give rise to the concept of magnetic field.
The smallest magnets would be electrons (fitting into the domain of “really small” boundaries). The intrinsic spin and the way an electron orbits the nucleus is how magnetism arises in nature. This is also why current and magnetism is so intricately linked – electrons are fundamentally involved in both in a deeply interconnected way.
Bigger magnets are just bigger-scale alignments of many, many, many, many atoms whose electrons that are acting like tiny magnets (these would become a magnetic domain)
Associated boundaries: higher scales
(not exhaustive)
Large magnets, Earth as a magnet, the Sun
Associated boundaries: lower scales
(not exhaustive)
Magnetic domains (collection of atoms that have become magnetically aligned in the same direction), electrons
Understanding interactions
Most commonly interacting boundaries
at similar scales (not exhaustive)
1. Other Magnets (Ferromagnetic Materials)
- Role: Attract or repel depending on pole orientation (north vs. south).
- Timing: Always—two magnets near each other will interact continuously.
- Symmetry: Equal and opposite; each magnet feels the force.
2. Ferromagnetic Objects (Iron, Nickel, Cobalt)
- Role: Become temporarily magnetized when close to a magnet; can stick together.
- Timing: Whenever they’re within a certain distance (magnetic field range).
3. Electrical Currents (Wires with Current)
- Role: A current creates a magnetic field that interacts with magnets.
- Timing: When current flows (turning a switch on/off changes the field).
4. Magnetic Fields in Space (Earth’s Magnetic Field)
- Role: Aligns compass needles, affects animal navigation (birds, turtles).
- Timing: Continuous; changes slowly (geomagnetic storms).
Mechanism for common interactions
(not exhaustive)
1. Magnetic Attraction/Repulsion
- How It Starts: Opposite poles (north-south) attract; like poles (north-north or south-south) repel.
- What Flows: Magnetic field lines through space—one magnet’s field pushes or pulls on another’s magnetic domains.
- Effect: Magnets stick together or push apart; force strength depends on distance and magnet strength.
2. Induction (Moving Magnet Near a Conductor)
- How It Starts: A magnet moves close to a wire coil or conductor.
- What Flows: Changing magnetic field generates an electric current in the wire (Faraday’s law).
- Effect: Produces electricity in generators or can power senSOSs; the induced current creates its own opposing magnetic field.
3. Electromagnetism (Current Through a Coil)
- How It Starts: Electric current flows through a wire wound into a coil.
- What Flows: Magnetic field lines form around the coil, acting like a magnet.
- Effect: Electromagnets can switch on/off (by controlling current) and change strength by adjusting current.
4. Domain Alignment (Magnetizing a Material)
- How It Starts: Exposing a ferromagnetic material to a strong magnetic field (like stroking iron with a magnet).
- What Flows: Tiny regions (domains) inside the material align in the same direction.
- Effect: Material becomes permanently or temporarily magnetized; if heated past a certain point (Curie temperature), domains lose alignment and it demagnetizes.