Why Do Magnets Stick Together?

Why Do Magnets Stick Together? thumbnail
Magnets stick together when properly oriented.

Properly oriented magnets stick together so tightly that even the force of gravity cannot pull them apart. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the peculiar electronic properties of magnetic materials.

  1. Cause of Magnetism

    • Spinning electrons create magnetism, but this magnetism usually cancels out because of discordant spin directions and atom orientations. Permanent magnets have more electrons spinning in one direction than the opposite, and the atoms are oriented in such a way that they reinforce the magnetic effects of one another.

    Magnetic Field

    • Magnets have circular magnetic lines of force. These circles extend through the length of the magnetic material and then circle through the air from one end of the magnet to the other.

    Cause of Adhesion

    • Air is not very permeable to magnetic lines of force. If a more permeable material is available, the circular lines of force will use that material to close the circle. If two magnets are aligned in such a way that the north-seeking poles of one magnet lie next to the south-seeking poles of the other, strong circular lines of force will extend through both magnets, and the two will stick together.

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References

  • Photo Credit Magnets from several world country. Ideal for tourists theme. image by Konovalov Pavel from Fotolia.com

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