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A magnet in the shape of a horseshoe This page is about objects and devices that produce magnetic fields. For a description of magnetic materials, see Magnetism. For other uses, see Magnet (disambiguation).
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A horseshoe magnet is a magnet made in the shape of a horseshoe or a U shape and has become the most widely recognized symbol for magnets. It was invented by William Sturgeon in 1825. This type of magnet can be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The main advantage of a horseshoe magnet over other types of magnets is that the magnetic poles are close together creating a much stronger magnetic field.
History
After the discovery that passing electric current through a piece of metal deflected a compass needle in 1819 many other experiments were attempted. These experiments culminated in William Sturgeon wrapping wire around a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron and running electric current through the wires creating the first horseshoe magnet.
This was also the first practical electromagnet and the first magnet that could lift more mass than the magnet itself when the seven-ounce magnet was able to lift nine pounds of iron. Sturgeon showed that he could regulate the magnetic field of his horseshoe magnet by increasing or decreasing the amount of current being run through the wires. This would lay the groundwork for development of the electrical telegraph and the future of world-wide telecommunications for the next century and more.
Shape
The shape of the magnet was originally created as a replacement for the bar magnet as it makes the magnet stronger. Over time it became the universal symbol for all magnets. A horseshoe magnet is stronger because both poles of the magnet are closer to each other and in the same plane which allows the magnetic lines of flux to flow along a more direct path between the poles and concentrates the magnetic field.
The shape of the horseshoe magnet also drastically reduces its demagnetization over time. This is due to coercivity also known as the “staying magnetized” ability of a given magnet. Coercivity is weaker in disc or ring shapes, slightly stronger in cylinder or bar shapes, and strongest in horseshoe shapes. To increase the coercivity of horseshoe magnets, steel keepers or magnet keepers are used. A magnetic field holds its strength best when the entire magnetic field is given the ability to loop through a ferromagnetic substance instead of air. The nearness of the horseshoe magnet’s poles facilitates the ability to use these magnet keepers way more easily than other types of magnets.
Horseshoe Magnets in Popular Culture
Horseshoe magnets are ubiquitous throughout popular culture especially in movies and cartoons. One of the earliest times a horseshoe magnet makes an appearance is in It's a Gift (1923 film) where the protagonist, Snub Pollard, uses a horseshoe magnet to provide energy for his car in his attempt to avoid a gasoline engine that caused pollution. They did not make their cartoon debut until almost a decade later in Betty Boop's Ups and Downs in 1932 where the horseshoe magnet was used (incorrectly) to symbolize the Earth’s gravity. It shows up again in Bridge Ahoy a Popeye cartoon episode from 1936. However, it would be later that same year when Walt Disney Productions, Limited decided to use a horseshoe magnet as the main prop in their cartoon, Donald and Pluto. After that, using horseshoe magnets were seen in many cartoons across several cartoon studios over the next several decades.
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A horseshoe magnet made of AlNiCo, an iron alloy. The attached iron bar is a magnet keeper used to prevent demagnetization.
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Magnetic field of a horseshoe magnet. The field is greatest where the lines are densest, around the poles (lower)
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Alnico horseshoe magnet used in a magnetron tube in an early microwave oven. About 3 in (8 cm) long.
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Assortment of AlNiCo horseshoe magnet shapes available from a manufacturer in 1956.
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A rectangular horseshoe magnet.
References
- ^ "Magnetism and Electromagnetism". Spark Museum. SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ Bellis, Mary (February 23, 2019). "William Sturgeon and the Invention of the Electromagnet". ThoughtCo. ThoughtCo. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "The Various Shapes of Magnets and Their Uses". Apex Magnets. Apex Magnets. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "Temperature and Neodymium Magnets". K&J Magnetics. K&J Magnetics, Inc. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "Why are Magnets Shaped like Horseshoes?". K&J Magnetics. K&J Magnetics, Inc. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "Demagnetizing a Steel Nail". Sciencing. Sciencing. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ Gardner, Charles (May 1, 2019). "Animation Trails: Magnetic Personalities". Cartoon Research. Cartoon Research. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
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