Uses of Magnets Today
The science of magnets encompasses many uses and applications. In today's world, magnets pop up in all industries, such as health and locomotives. Magnetic technology also benefits the planet with several ways to conserve electricity and limit oil consumption. The main uses for magnets are industrial, but learning about magnets creates new ideas in technology.
Other People Are Reading
-
Magnetic Therapy
-
Magnetic therapy or magnotherapy uses magnetic fields in alternative medicine. The static magnetic fields generate from different magnetic materials, such as flexible magnetized sheets or rare earth magnets. People wear jewelry with magnetic therapy properties, such as bracelets and rings. Magnetic therapy helps improve blood-flow circulation, which allows more nutrients and oxygen to absorb into the main organs. In addition, magnetic therapy serves as a sleeping aid, as magnetic fields cause brains to produce melatonin naturally, which is a sleep hormone.
Televisions
-
An industrial use of magnets applies to televisions. Cathode-ray tubes inside televisions shoot electrons toward the screen, which strike a direct spot. However, electromagnets inside the television deflect the electrons to spread across the screen, allowing images to show correctly on the television's screen. Without the use of magnets in television, there would be nothing to make electrons move in the necessary directions.
-
Computer Disks
-
Computer hard-disk drives use magnetic coating and electromagnetic heads to store data. In addition, the same technology used in cathode-ray tubes applies to computer monitors. Magnetism also helps fans cool components inside a computer that generate heat. Processors, graphic cards and power supplies generate high temperatures. Magnets create a motion for fans to work inside the computer and thus avoid equipment failure by cooling the hardware.
Maglev Trains
-
Maglev is short for magnetic levitation. Maglev trains lift off tracks by magnetic repulsion, then propel forward because of magnets attached to the vehicle. Maglev trains move very fast and at a low cost because they use little energy. They consume no electricity nor burn oil. A Maglev train in Japan traveled at top speeds of 360 mph. Built in Germany, a Shanghai, China, Maglev train transports travelers at 268 mph.
-
References
- Photo Credit Junko Kimura/Getty Images News/Getty Images
