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'''Magnetism''' was a physical phenomenon caused by [[magnetic field]]s, which were themselves caused by [[Electromagnetism]]. Something exhibiting magnetism was said to be magnetic or magnetized. If that was their primary function, they were called a [[magnet]].
−
''''Magnetism'''' is a fundamental interaction in nature which affects moving electric charges. A moving electric charge in a magnetic field will be deflected at a right angle to the field direction. Moving electric charges in uniform magnetic fields tend to traverse circular paths. Magnetic fields themselves are generated by moving electric charges. This is actually a relativistic effect. All electric charges create electric fields. [[Albert Einstein]]'s Theory of Special Relativity says that an electric field, when viewed from a moving reference frame, will look like a magnetic field.
  
   
  +
== In nature ==
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When many electric charges flow in the same direction, the result is an electric current. Long current-carrying wires will produce a magnetic field in the shape of concentric circles around the wire. A circularly shaped current-carrying wire will produce a field in a shape known as a dipole. Spinning spheres of electric charge will likewise produce dipole-shaped fields. Certain types of metals, including iron, nickel, and cobalt (all found abundantly on [[Earth]]), also exhibit magnetic fields, even when no current is passing through them. This is an effect of [[quantum mechanics]]. Subatomic particles such as electrons possess an intrinsic and immutable spin. Even though they have no size, they behave as spinning spheres of charge, and thus produce magnetic dipohl fields. Normally these dipoles are oriented in random directions and tend to cancel out. However, in magnetic materials all of these dipoles can be made to point in the same direction, thus resulting in a net magnetic field.
  
  +
In nature, planets and moons might have [[magnetic field]]s. These could potentially be used taped into for an energy source. ({{TNG|Final Mission|The Host}}) The breakup of planet [[Psi 2000]] was characterized by dramatic changes in its magnetic field, including at one point a four degree shift of the whole field. ({{TOS|The Naked Time}})
   
  +
The rings of [[Saturn]] also caused some magnetic distortion, and magnetic force originated from the [[Questar M-17]]. ({{film|11}})
−
Magnetic fields are used extensively on Federation starships, most notably in the containment of [[antimatter]]. Federation-designed [[warp drive]] systems employ a [[magnetic containment field]] to contain anti-deuterium prior to its injection into the warp reactor. This field will cause the anti-deuterium particles to traverse circular paths, thus preventing them from annihilating with any normal matter. If a warp drive's magnetic field strength falls below a critical value, antimatter containment will be lost, resulting in the destruction of the ship. ({{TNG|11001001}})
  
  +
  +
The [[Murasaki Effect]] had magnetic potential. ({{TOS|The Galileo Seven}})
  +
  +
[[Magnetic storm]]s were a hazardous phenomenon in space and on the surface of planets like [[Rigel XII]]. ({{TOS|Where No Man Has Gone Before|Mudd's Women}}, etc)
  +
  +
[[Solar flare]]s might be indicated by large magnetic disturbances on the star surface. During the [[Dominion War]], the crew of the {{IKS|Rotarran}} was even able to directly trigger a devestating solar flare after locating a magnetic instability on a star and increasing its [[ magnetic gradient]]. ({{TNG|Relics}}: {{DS9|Shadows and Symbols}})
  +
  +
Ionised [[hydrogen]] might generate magnetic currents. [[Nucleonic particle]]s such as those found in [[polaric field]]s were also highly magnetic, and if accumulated might even create a [[diomagnetic field]]. ({{ENT|Cogenitor|Similitude}})
  +
  +
In [[2266]], an unidentified yellowish [[ore]] was found on [[Alfa 177]], which was determined to be magnetic. magnetic deposits were also present on the [[Torothan homeworld]]. ({{TOS|The Enemy Within}};{{ENT|Desert Crossing}})
  +
  +
[[Magnetic wave]]s were present in the [[Parvenium sector]], and were surveyed by a Starfleet ship in [[2368]]. Spatial rifts might also emit magnetic shock waves. ({{TNG|The Inner Light}}; {{DS9|If Wishes Were Horses}})
  +
  +
A [[negative magnetic corridor]] connected two universes, one of matter and one of anti-matter. ({{TOS|The Alternative Factor}})
  +
  +
At least one living [[Magnetic organism]] was encountered, which was characterised by a [[magnetic flux]] pulsing almost like the beating of a heart. Furthermore the noncorporial [[Ux-Mal entity]] claimed at one point that their conciousness had been captured by the magnetic currents of [[Ux-Mal]], though this was part of an elaborate lie. A [[Delta Quadrant]] [[Space-dwelling lifeform]] was also capable of generating strong magnetism.
  +
  +
== As a technology ==
  +
=== Warp Drive design ===
  +
Magnetic technology was widely used in [[starship]] design, in particularly in feeding of matter and anti-matter into the warp core.
  +
  +
Generally, containing a volume of anti-matter might be done using a magnetic containment field or [[magnetic bottle]], and transporting (as in beaming) it could be done in a [[magnetic vacuum field]]. ({{TNG|11001001}}; {{TOS|That Which Survives|The Immunity Syndrome}})
  +
  +
The plasma flowing into the system was magnetic. ({{TNG|Galaxy's Child}}; {{DS9|One Little Ship}}, etc) [[Antimatter containment]] relied on [[magnetic field]]s utilizing [[magnetic flow]]. On [[Constitution class]] ships, this was monitored using a [[Magnetic force indicator]]. ({{TOS|That Which Survives}}). Another key component in containing antimatter and preventing [[Warp core breach]]es was the [[magnetic interlock]]. ({{film|8}}; {{DS9|Our Man Bashir}}). The {{class|Intrepid}} also had magnetic interlocks at the warp core. The [[Galaxy class]] featured and [[magnetic capacitor]]s on the matter and [[anti-matter]] injector. One way of dealing with problems in the latter was resetting the magnetic fields through a [[magnetic quench]]. ({{TNG|Hollow Pursuits}}) This class also featured [[magnetic coil]]s, and [[magnetic seal]]s at the [[antimatter chamber]]. ({{TNG|Contagion}}) [[NX class]] starships used [[magnetic constrictor]]s to align the positron stream, and constrictors were also used in the Intrepid class. ({{ENT|Cold Front}})
  +
  +
=== Containment and shielding ===
  +
[[magnetic shield]]s might be deployed to block [[transporter]]s from beaming someone in or out a certain area. Beaming through a shield was possible with a code. Such a setup was present at [[Rura Penthe]] in the [[23rd century]] and at [[Aldea]] a century later. ({{film|6}};{{TNG|When The Bough Breaks}})
  +
  +
[[Malurian]]s were able to create magnetic barriers. ({{ENT|Civilization}})
  +
  +
[[Magnetic envelope]]s could be created, and even tweaked so that [[anti-neutron]]s could pass through it but [[anti-graviton]]s could not. ({{film|4}})
  +
  +
=== Atachments and locks ===
  +
Magnets might be used to attach things. For example, on [[Sovereign class]] ships the [[deflector dish]] was attached to the ship using [[magnetic restrictor]]s. ({{film|8}})
  +
  +
Doors were often magnetically sealed. Magnetic seals were aleary in use aboard {{NX|Enterprise}}. The [[Amargosa observatory]] contained a magnetically sealed hidden door. ({{DS9|Civil Defense}}; {{ENT|Acquisition}};{{film|7}})
  +
  +
[[Suliban helix]]es were aggregate structures comprised of vessels held in place by an interlocking system of [[magnetic seal]]s. ({{ENT|Broken Bow}})
  +
  +
[[Gravity boot]]s, (also known as magnetic boots) used magnetism to allow people to operate in environments with magnetic variances. ({{ENT|Anomaly}};{{film|6}})
  +
  +
=== Other applications ===
  +
In federation starships, [[magnetic constrictor]]s were present in the impulse thrusters of [[Runabout]]s, and [[magnetic inducer]]s in [[Type 15 shuttlepod]]s. ({{DS9|The Assignment}};{{TNG|Transfigurations}}).
  +
  +
{{class|Intrepid}} ships might use [[magnetic spindle bearing]]s, and its bridge consoles contained [[magnetic relay]]s, which if overloaded might cause the console to explore. ({{VOY|Fair Trade|Once Upon a Time}})
  +
  +
The {{USS|Raman}} contained a magnetic storage bay. ({{TNG|Interface}})
  +
  +
[[Hologram]]s were illusions created by projections of light held in a [[magnetic containment field]]. ({{VOY|Phage}})
  +
  +
The [[slingshot effect]] depended upon seeking out the magnetic attraction of a sun. ({{TOS|Tomorrow is Yesterday}})
  +
  +
The [[pain band]]s in use on [[Sigma Draconis VI]] were speculated to use a kind of [[magnetic lock]] by [[Montgomery Scott]]. ({{TOS|Spock's Brain}})
  +
  +
[[22nd century]] [[Romulan mine]] locked onto targets using magnetic spikes. Two centuries later, Federation [[antimatter mine]]s may come with magnetic targeting capabilities. ({{ENT|Minefield}})
  +
  +
[[cobalt-fusion warhead]]s as used by the [[Lysian Central Command]] utilised [[magnetic propulsion]]. ({{TNG|Conundrum}})
  +
  +
[[Lazarus]] claimed his species used [[magnetic communications satellite]].
  +
  +
[[Jem'Hadar fighter]]s featured [[magnetic flux coupler]]s. ({{DS9|The Ship}})
  +
  +
Magnetic devices might be used to control [[Dom-Jot]] balls and thus cheat in the game. ({{TNG|Tapestry}})
  +
  +
Magnetic leverage might be used to lift cargo along an [[Orbital tether]]. ({{VOY|Rise}})
  +
  +
The [[Coalition]], a [[cadre]] operating on [[turkana IV]], gave their operatives [[magnetic implant]]s to ensure their loyalty. ({{TNG|Legacy}})
  +
  +
== Magnetism in scans ==
  +
Magnetism could also be used as a sensor technique, through a [[magnetic sweep]] or a [[magnetic residual analysis]]. ({{TOS|That Which Survives}}; {{TNG|The Cage}}) [[Magnetic signature]]s might be looked for to compare readings. Wiping a [[memory core]] with an [[Microdyne coupler]] left an unique magnetic signature. ({{TNG|Time's Arrow}};{{ENT|Affliction}})
  +
  +
However, "magnetic clutter" might also making scans more difficult. ({{TNG|Heart of Glory|Future Imperfect}})
  +
  +
The [[Talosian]] community on [[Talos IV]] was found by detecting the magnetic field of their underground generator. ({{TOS|The Cage}})
  +
  +
The Borg were found to leave distinctive [[magnetic resonance]] traces.
  +
  +
Runabout hulls were made out of metallic composites that interacted with magnetic fields, the [[magnetic deflection]] of which caused extremely weak magnetic resonance patterns, which were distinctive enough to locate a runabout. Such weak fields might be detected with a [[differential magnetometer]], a device developed in [[2369]]. ({{DS9|Battle Lines}})
  +
  +
In [[2373]], the ship's engineer of a [[D'deridex class]] ship was ordered to intentionally slightly missalign one of the ship's [[nullifier core]]s, thus creating a small polarized magnetic distortion in space whenever the ship was in motion, making it detectable even though it was [[cloak]]ed. ({{TNG|Face of the Enemy}})
  +
  +
== Figuratively ==
  +
A person might also figuratively be said to have a magnetic personality. [[James T. Kirk]] described [[Khan Noonien Singh]] as such upon first meeting him. Some time later, Kirk later in noted in his log that the women [[Harcourt Mudd]] peddled in had a magnetic effect on the male members of his crew, including himself. This was later revealed to be the result of the [[Venus drug]]. ({{TOS|Mudd's Women}})
  +
  +
[[Captain]] [[Kathryn Janeway]], roleplaying as [[Queen Arachnia]], once remarked that [[Doctor Chaotica]] could not possibly resist her magnetism. ({{VOY|Shattered}}) [[Data]] also once claimed to have a magnetic personality, though only as a pun. ({{film|7}})
  +
  +
== Other information ==
  +
[[Spock]] wondered if the [[Metron]] force that captured the [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'']] in [[2267]] was gravimetric, magnetic or electronic in nature. ({{TOS|Arena}})
   
 
== See also ==
  
== See also ==
  +
*[[Hysteresis curve]]
 
*[[Magnetic energy]]
  
*[[Magnetic energy]]
−
*[[Magnetic interlock]]
 +
**[[Bio-magnetic energy]]
  +
*[[Gravito-magnetic force]]
 
*[[Magnetic field]]
  
*[[Magnetic field]]
  +
**[[Magnetic field core]]
−
{{stub}}
  
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*[[Magnetic pole]]
−  
  +
*[[magnetic plasma guide]]
−
{{pna-cite}}
  
  +
*[[Magnetic fluctuation]]
  +
*[[Magnetic flux]]
  +
*[[magnetic waveguide]]
  +
*[[Magnetometric guided charge]]
   
 
== External link ==
  
== External link ==

Revision as of 15:17, 19 May 2015

Magnetism was a physical phenomenon caused by magnetic fields, which were themselves caused by Electromagnetism. Something exhibiting magnetism was said to be magnetic or magnetized. If that was their primary function, they were called a magnet.

In nature

In nature, planets and moons might have magnetic fields. These could potentially be used taped into for an energy source. (TNG: "Final Mission", "The Host") The breakup of planet Psi 2000 was characterized by dramatic changes in its magnetic field, including at one point a four degree shift of the whole field. (TOS: "The Naked Time")

The rings of Saturn also caused some magnetic distortion, and magnetic force originated from the Questar M-17. (Star Trek)

The Murasaki Effect had magnetic potential. (TOS: "The Galileo Seven")

Magnetic storms were a hazardous phenomenon in space and on the surface of planets like Rigel XII. (TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before", "Mudd's Women", etc)

Solar flares might be indicated by large magnetic disturbances on the star surface. During the Dominion War, the crew of the IKS Rotarran was even able to directly trigger a devestating solar flare after locating a magnetic instability on a star and increasing its magnetic gradient. (TNG: "Relics": DS9: "Shadows and Symbols")

Ionised hydrogen might generate magnetic currents. Nucleonic particles such as those found in polaric fields were also highly magnetic, and if accumulated might even create a diomagnetic field. (ENT: "Cogenitor", "Similitude")

In 2266, an unidentified yellowish ore was found on Alfa 177, which was determined to be magnetic. magnetic deposits were also present on the Torothan homeworld. (TOS: "The Enemy Within";ENT: "Desert Crossing")

Magnetic waves were present in the Parvenium sector, and were surveyed by a Starfleet ship in 2368. Spatial rifts might also emit magnetic shock waves. (TNG: "The Inner Light"; DS9: "If Wishes Were Horses")

A negative magnetic corridor connected two universes, one of matter and one of anti-matter. (TOS: "The Alternative Factor")

At least one living Magnetic organism was encountered, which was characterised by a magnetic flux pulsing almost like the beating of a heart. Furthermore the noncorporial Ux-Mal entity claimed at one point that their conciousness had been captured by the magnetic currents of Ux-Mal, though this was part of an elaborate lie. A Delta Quadrant Space-dwelling lifeform was also capable of generating strong magnetism.

As a technology

Warp Drive design

Magnetic technology was widely used in starship design, in particularly in feeding of matter and anti-matter into the warp core.

Generally, containing a volume of anti-matter might be done using a magnetic containment field or magnetic bottle, and transporting (as in beaming) it could be done in a magnetic vacuum field. (TNG: "11001001"; TOS: "That Which Survives", "The Immunity Syndrome")

The plasma flowing into the system was magnetic. (TNG: "Galaxy's Child"; DS9: "One Little Ship", etc) Antimatter containment relied on magnetic fields utilizing magnetic flow. On Constitution class ships, this was monitored using a Magnetic force indicator. (TOS: "That Which Survives"). Another key component in containing antimatter and preventing Warp core breaches was the magnetic interlock. (Star Trek: First Contact; DS9: "Our Man Bashir"). The Intrepid-class also had magnetic interlocks at the warp core. The Galaxy class featured and magnetic capacitors on the matter and anti-matter injector. One way of dealing with problems in the latter was resetting the magnetic fields through a magnetic quench. (TNG: "Hollow Pursuits") This class also featured magnetic coils, and magnetic seals at the antimatter chamber. (TNG: "Contagion") NX class starships used magnetic constrictors to align the positron stream, and constrictors were also used in the Intrepid class. (ENT: "Cold Front")

Containment and shielding

magnetic shields might be deployed to block transporters from beaming someone in or out a certain area. Beaming through a shield was possible with a code. Such a setup was present at Rura Penthe in the 23rd century and at Aldea a century later. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country;TNG: "When The Bough Breaks")

Malurians were able to create magnetic barriers. (ENT: "Civilization")

Magnetic envelopes could be created, and even tweaked so that anti-neutrons could pass through it but anti-gravitons could not. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

Atachments and locks

Magnets might be used to attach things. For example, on Sovereign class ships the deflector dish was attached to the ship using magnetic restrictors. (Star Trek: First Contact)

Doors were often magnetically sealed. Magnetic seals were aleary in use aboard Enterprise. The Amargosa observatory contained a magnetically sealed hidden door. (DS9: "Civil Defense"; ENT: "Acquisition";Star Trek Generations)

Suliban helixes were aggregate structures comprised of vessels held in place by an interlocking system of magnetic seals. (ENT: "Broken Bow")

Gravity boots, (also known as magnetic boots) used magnetism to allow people to operate in environments with magnetic variances. (ENT: "Anomaly";Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Other applications

In federation starships, magnetic constrictors were present in the impulse thrusters of Runabouts, and magnetic inducers in Type 15 shuttlepods. (DS9: "The Assignment";TNG: "Transfigurations").

Intrepid-class ships might use magnetic spindle bearings, and its bridge consoles contained magnetic relays, which if overloaded might cause the console to explore. (VOY: "Fair Trade", "Once Upon a Time")

The USS Raman contained a magnetic storage bay. (TNG: "Interface")

Holograms were illusions created by projections of light held in a magnetic containment field. (VOY: "Phage")

The slingshot effect depended upon seeking out the magnetic attraction of a sun. (TOS: "Tomorrow is Yesterday")

The pain bands in use on Sigma Draconis VI were speculated to use a kind of magnetic lock by Montgomery Scott. (TOS: "Spock's Brain")

22nd century Romulan mine locked onto targets using magnetic spikes. Two centuries later, Federation antimatter mines may come with magnetic targeting capabilities. (ENT: "Minefield")

cobalt-fusion warheads as used by the Lysian Central Command utilised magnetic propulsion. (TNG: "Conundrum")

Lazarus claimed his species used magnetic communications satellite.

Jem'Hadar fighters featured magnetic flux couplers. (DS9: "The Ship")

Magnetic devices might be used to control Dom-Jot balls and thus cheat in the game. (TNG: "Tapestry")

Magnetic leverage might be used to lift cargo along an Orbital tether. (VOY: "Rise")

The Coalition, a cadre operating on turkana IV, gave their operatives magnetic implants to ensure their loyalty. (TNG: "Legacy")

Magnetism in scans

Magnetism could also be used as a sensor technique, through a magnetic sweep or a magnetic residual analysis. (TOS: "That Which Survives"; TNG: "The Cage") Magnetic signatures might be looked for to compare readings. Wiping a memory core with an Microdyne coupler left an unique magnetic signature. (TNG: "Time's Arrow";ENT: "Affliction")

However, "magnetic clutter" might also making scans more difficult. (TNG: "Heart of Glory", "Future Imperfect")

The Talosian community on Talos IV was found by detecting the magnetic field of their underground generator. (TOS: "The Cage")

The Borg were found to leave distinctive magnetic resonance traces.

Runabout hulls were made out of metallic composites that interacted with magnetic fields, the magnetic deflection of which caused extremely weak magnetic resonance patterns, which were distinctive enough to locate a runabout. Such weak fields might be detected with a differential magnetometer, a device developed in 2369. (DS9: "Battle Lines")

In 2373, the ship's engineer of a D'deridex class ship was ordered to intentionally slightly missalign one of the ship's nullifier cores, thus creating a small polarized magnetic distortion in space whenever the ship was in motion, making it detectable even though it was cloaked. (TNG: "Face of the Enemy")

Figuratively

A person might also figuratively be said to have a magnetic personality. James T. Kirk described Khan Noonien Singh as such upon first meeting him. Some time later, Kirk later in noted in his log that the women Harcourt Mudd peddled in had a magnetic effect on the male members of his crew, including himself. This was later revealed to be the result of the Venus drug. (TOS: "Mudd's Women")

Captain Kathryn Janeway, roleplaying as Queen Arachnia, once remarked that Doctor Chaotica could not possibly resist her magnetism. (VOY: "Shattered") Data also once claimed to have a magnetic personality, though only as a pun. (Star Trek Generations)

Other information

Spock wondered if the Metron force that captured the Enterprise in 2267 was gravimetric, magnetic or electronic in nature. (TOS: "Arena")

See also

External link

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