Magnetism and Types of Magnets

A magnet is an object that contains the materials needed to create a magnetic field. There are two sides to every magnet: the positive side and the negative side, also known as the North or South Pole. Loadstones have natural magnetic qualities that attract iron and point in the same direction when placed in a free floating position.

Magnetism Explained

Everything is made up of particles. When the electron particles all point in the same direction, something is said to be magnetically charged. There is one basic rule to magnetism: "opposites attract, similar charges push back."

If magnets are placed opposite sides together, they will be attracted to each other and become magnetic. Try pushing two magnets together with the similar poles together, and they will actually push away from each other. Interestingly, magnetic forces only attract other magnetic materials.

Types of Magnets

There are three basic types of magnets: permanent magnets, such as refrigerator door magnets that retain their magnetism; temporary magnets, such as paperclips that contain magnetism when around a strong magnetic field; and electromagnets with varying strength and polarity, which are used with electrical currents.

Magnet Uses

Magnets are used for much more than holding pictures and papers to the refrigerator door. Magnets can be found in many everyday items such as televisions, telephones, computers, garage door openers, ceiling fans and automobiles.

Experiments

Create your own type of magnetic compass, similar to what the ancient sailors used, with a few everyday household items (see Resources below for link).

Fun Fact

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are created by the earth's magnetic field interacting with solar flare particles.

References

• Magnet Information
• Magnetism Explained
• Magnetism

Resources

• Create a Compass
• Other Experiments
• Northern Lights