Magnetic circuits: a ferromagnetic material such as iron provides a high-permeability path that can redirect or concentrate magnetic lines of force. Judge this statement.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Transformers, inductors, and magnetic shields exploit high-permeability materials to guide magnetic flux. The statement claims that iron can change the course (path) of magnetic lines of force, which reflects practical magnetic circuit design.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Iron or similar ferromagnets have relative permeability much greater than air.
  • We consider fields below saturation for linear reasoning.
  • No permanent magnetization is required to demonstrate flux guidance.


Concept / Approach:
Magnetic flux prefers paths of least reluctance, analogous to current choosing paths of least resistance. Since ferromagnetic materials have high permeability, their reluctance is low, attracting and guiding flux. C-cores, E-cores, and closed magnetic paths in transformers exemplify this principle by confining and redirecting field lines to improve coupling and reduce leakage.



Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Compare permeabilities: mu_iron » mu_air implies lower reluctance in iron.2) Flux lines crowd into the iron, following the high-permeability path.3) The presence and shape of the iron core redirect the flux lines.4) Therefore, iron changes the course of magnetic lines of force.


Verification / Alternative check:
Field plots (finite-element simulations) and simple iron filings experiments show flux concentration near iron pieces and redirection along cores and shields.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Incorrect: ignores basic magnetic circuit behavior.

Requires permanent magnetization or cryogenic temperatures: flux guidance is due to permeability, not necessarily due to remanent magnetization or extreme temperatures.



Common Pitfalls:
Equating “lines of force” with physical strings; they are visualizations of field direction and density. Forgetting saturation, which limits flux guidance when B approaches material limits.



Final Answer:
Correct

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