Are you fond of playing with magnets? It can be quite enjoyable to construct things using magnetic toys. You might also use magnets to display your latest artwork on the refrigerator. Perhaps you have even employed magnets to learn about science at school.
But do you understand how significant magnets are in our everyday lives? They are not merely toys. Magnets are incorporated into many of the items we utilize on a daily basis.
If you have ever played with a magnet, you probably observed that it was composed of metal. In reality, it was most likely primarily made of iron. Iron is the most effective magnetic metal on Earth. There are some other magnetic metals, such as cobalt and nickel.
Have you ever wondered about how magnets function? It is certainly not magic, although it may appear that way. Magnetic metals consist of small regions known as magnetic domains. Each domain possesses its own north and south pole. In a sense, each magnetic domain is its own magnet! These domains all align in the same direction to come together and form a magnetic metal.
When an object is comprised of aligned magnetic domains, it possesses a magnetic field. That is the region in which magnetism occurs. Have you ever witnessed a magnet attract a group of paper clips without even touching them? It was able to accomplish this because the paper clips were within its magnetic field.
Why are some metals magnetic while others are not? In non-magnetic metals, the magnetic domains do not align. They simply point in random directions. This prevents them from forming a magnetic field. However, some metals can be magnetized! This means that a person can rub a magnet across the non-magnetic metal multiple times until it becomes magnetic. When this occurs, the magnet assists in aligning the magnetic domains in the non-magnetic metal.
Each magnet possesses two poles: the north pole and the south pole. Despite their similar appearance, they behave differently. For instance, opposite poles attract each other. That pulling force of attraction you feel when magnets stick to each other? It is the north pole of one magnet drawing the south pole of another magnet towards it. Identical poles will repel each other. So, when it comes to magnets, opposites really do attract!
Are you aware of anything else that possesses north and south poles? If you answered “Earth,” you are correct! Earth consists of numerous magnetic metals that cause the planet itself to act like an enormous magnet. That is why you can utilize a compass to determine which way is north. The magnetic needle on a compass is drawn towards the magnetic North Pole!
So, are magnets merely fascinating scientific playthings? Of course not! Magnets have thousands of uses. Some of them may surprise you. Did you realize that every electrical appliance with an electric motor utilizes magnets?
Magnets keep refrigerator and cabinet doors closed. They also read and write data on your computer’s hard drive. Magnets even assist in transforming digital music into sound. Magnets are present all around you every day. They contribute to making your life better in many ways that you probably never imagined!
Give It a Try
Are you feeling drawn towards some enjoyable activities? Be sure to explore these activities with a friend or family member:
Looking for guidance in your life? Go online and learn How To Make a Compass using simple materials. Can your compass lead you to the magnetic North Pole?
If you have a magnet, some pennies, and a straw, try out the Magnetic Pennies experiment online. What can you learn about magnetism from this experiment? Share your experience with a friend or family member and help them discover magnets.
With just some paper clips and a strong magnet, you can create a Magnetized Paper Clip Chain. Show a friend or family member that the paper clips are not magnetic at first. Then show them how they become magnetic after the magnet works its magic on them!
Wonder Sources:
– http://www.howmagnetswork.com/ (accessed 22 Aug. 2019)
– http://science.howstuffworks.com/magnet.htm (accessed 22 Aug. 2019)
– http://www.explainthatstuff.com/magnetism.html (accessed 22 Aug. 2019)
– http://www.kidsgen.com/school_projects/magnets.htm (accessed 22 Aug. 2019)
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