Question

List two methods of producing magnetic fields.

Answer 1

Magnetic fields describe the influence of magnets on its surroundings, especially charged particles. Magnetic fields also have some important applications like in working of a galvanometer, transformer etc. Magnets are either natural or are created using magnets, electricity etc. There are several ways of producing magnetic fields.

Complete answer:
The magnetic field is a vector which describes the influence of a magnet or magnetic materials. A magnetic field can be visualized using the magnetic lines of forces. Magnetic lines of forces are imaginary lines which gives us the direction of the magnetic field. These are closed curves. Tangent drawn at any point on a magnetic line of force gives us the direction of the magnetic field at that point.
There are several ways of producing magnetic fields, two of them are-
We can use a permanent magnet to produce a magnetic field. The magnetic field around a permanent magnet can be visualized by spreading out iron fillings; they align themselves according to the direction of the magnetic field.
We can also produce magnetic fields using electromagnets. Electromagnets are those magnets in which the magnetic field is produced using the magnetic effect of current. It usually consists of wire wound around a coil.

Note:
The magnetic field exerts a force on moving charges and charged particles due to which current carrying elements also experience force in a magnetic field. The force is perpendicular to the direction of magnetic field and motion of the charges. Other ways of producing magnetic fields are- using a solenoid, straight current carrying wire etc.