Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Peter on 06/02/2011 17:30:04

Title: What material(s) can shield an object from a magnetic feld?
Post by: Peter on 06/02/2011 17:30:04

Peter asked the Naked Scientists:
   
What material(s) can shield an object from a magnetic feld?

What do you think?

Title: What material(s) can shield an object from a magnetic feld?
Post by: yor_on on 06/02/2011 18:01:20

No, you can't 'shield' but you can retrace it around/from a object by offering it a 'easier path'. The reason you can't shield it is that there are no magnetic 'charges' as there is with electricity (positive and negative charges). Magnetic field lines will pass through all materials I know off. But you can reroute it.

Look at what "conduct" magnetic flux best, then use that.

Title: What material(s) can shield an object from a magnetic feld?
Post by: Bored chemist on 06/02/2011 18:27:47

Passive shielding as described above works very well. It works even better if you use a superconductor as a shield.
There is another trick called active shielding where you measure the field and set up an opposing field with an electromagnet.

Title: What material(s) can shield an object from a magnetic feld?
Post by: graham.d on 06/02/2011 18:52:16

A material that is used to shield magnetic flux is called mu-metal. It does not work 100% though.