State one application of a magnet in each of the following areas of activity: (a) Exploration and Navigation; (b) Industry and Constructional sites; (c) Medical
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
(a) Exploration and Navigation:
One application of magnets in exploration and navigation is the use of magnetic compasses. A magnetic compass is a navigational instrument that helps determine direction by aligning a magnetized needle with the Earth’s magnetic field. It has been used for centuries by sailors, explorers, and travelers to navigate across land and water. The magnetic compass is able to point toward the Earth’s magnetic poles, allowing users to understand cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west. This principle relies on the Earth’s magnetic field, which functions similarly to a giant bar magnet. Compasses are essential for navigation in areas where GPS signals may be unreliable or unavailable, such as in remote regions or deep caves.
(b) Industry and Constructional Sites:
In industry and construction, magnets are widely used in lifting and handling heavy materials. Large industrial magnets, such as electromagnets, are used in cranes to lift and move steel plates, scrap metal, and other heavy magnetic materials. These powerful magnets are especially useful in scrapyards, recycling centers, and manufacturing plants. They provide a safe and efficient way to move metal objects, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity. The electromagnet is activated and deactivated by an electric current, enabling workers to control the lifting and release of materials. This application is vital for improving operational efficiency and ensuring safety in construction and industrial environments.
(c) Medical:
In medicine, magnets are employed in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The magnetic field aligns the hydrogen atoms in the body, and when radiofrequency pulses are applied, these atoms release energy, which is then detected to produce an image. MRI is crucial for diagnosing a variety of conditions, including brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, joint and muscle problems, and soft tissue diseases. The high-resolution images generated by MRI scans allow doctors to make more accurate diagnoses without the need for invasive procedures. This non-invasive technique has become a cornerstone of modern medical imaging.
