How do magnets work?
Magnets work because the tiny magnetic fields of their electrons line up in the same direction. Together they create a magnetic field that attracts iron and pushes or pulls other magnets.
Every electron behaves like a tiny magnet because of a property called spin. In most materials, these tiny magnets point in random directions and cancel out. In iron, nickel and cobalt, groups of atoms called domains can line up, giving the material an overall magnetic field.
Every magnet has a north and a south pole. Opposite poles attract and like poles repel. If you cut a magnet in half, each piece becomes a smaller magnet with its own north and south poles.
Electricity and magnetism
Moving electric charges create magnetic fields, which is how electromagnets work. A coil of wire carrying current becomes a magnet that can be switched on and off. Electric motors, speakers, MRI scanners and power generators all rely on the link between electricity and magnetism.
Did You Know?
Earth itself is a giant magnet. Its magnetic field comes from moving molten iron in the outer core and protects the planet from harmful particles from the Sun.