Computer hard disk read/write head Science Image

Ref: 80017266



Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the read and write electromagnetic device of the hard disk of a computer. Computers store data on magnetic media, with the polarity of the magnetism (up or down) corresponding to the one or zero of computing binary code. An electromagnet is magnetised using electricity from the wires trailing at lower left. It is then used to alter the magnetism of the disk, writing data onto it. This device also reads data from the disk. The hard disk rotates. The head moves radially above the disk to access all parts. Magnification x29 at 10cm wide.