Does anyone remember the song miracles by Insane Clown Posse back in 2009? The lyrics from the song, "Magnets, how do they work?" Was the butt of many internet memes at the time. The song riled up scientists and science enthusiasts alike, with many trying to explain the process behind how magnets do work.
Well, today, we are clearing that doubt once and forever. So, let us see how magnets work, shall we?
Magnets are fascinating objects. No matter how old we get, every one of us still gets awestruck by a simple magnet. According to Greek mythology, a shepherd named Magnes accidentally discovered magnetism when he noticed his walking stick and sandal nails got stuck to a rock. Incredible story, right?
How magnets work is even more incredible. But first, let's see what magnets really are.
Well, today, we are clearing that doubt once and forever. So, let us see how magnets work, shall we?
Magnets are fascinating objects. No matter how old we get, every one of us still gets awestruck by a simple magnet. According to Greek mythology, a shepherd named Magnes accidentally discovered magnetism when he noticed his walking stick and sandal nails got stuck to a rock. Incredible story, right?
How magnets work is even more incredible. But first, let's see what magnets really are.
What Is a Magnet?
Magnets are objects that can produce magnetic fields and attract certain metals like iron, cobalt, and nickel. Magnets are primarily classified into two types:
Permanent or hard magnets: It creates perpetual magnetic fields on their own.
Temporary or soft magnets: This creates a magnetic field in the presence of another magnetic field and after some time.
Remember when you were playing with magnets when you were young and just couldn't make two sides stick to each other while the opposite side sticks? This is because every magnet has two poles- the north and the south poles. Like poles of a magnet repel each other and opposite poles attract. So if you cut a magnet in half, each of these halves will also have a north and south pole.
An area of invisible pull around a magnet is called a magnetic field. The magnetic field of any magnet has lines of force, and these lines of force exit from the north pole and enter the south of a magnet.
Permanent or hard magnets: It creates perpetual magnetic fields on their own.
Temporary or soft magnets: This creates a magnetic field in the presence of another magnetic field and after some time.
Remember when you were playing with magnets when you were young and just couldn't make two sides stick to each other while the opposite side sticks? This is because every magnet has two poles- the north and the south poles. Like poles of a magnet repel each other and opposite poles attract. So if you cut a magnet in half, each of these halves will also have a north and south pole.
An area of invisible pull around a magnet is called a magnetic field. The magnetic field of any magnet has lines of force, and these lines of force exit from the north pole and enter the south of a magnet.
But Why Do Magnets Stick?
Let us brush up on our elementary school science, shall we? We all know that all matter comprises tiny particles called atoms. All atoms have a nucleus and electrons that spin around the nucleus. This orbiting motion of electrons creates an electric current. This motion of electric current is what causes magnetism.
When two unlike poles of magnets are brought in proximity to each other, the north-seeking electrons will rush to the south pole of the other magnet and vice versa, making them stick together.
Now, what happens when a metal like iron and cobalt comes in contact with a magnet?
A metal that will stick to a magnet when in close proximity is called ferromagnetic metal.
All electrons in any particle create a magnetic field. But a net magnetic field is not present because the magnetic fields of single electrons cancel each other out.
But in magnetic objects, like a bar magnet, the electrons are arranged in one direction, which causes a tangible net magnetic field. The ferromagnetic metals become magnets when they come into contact with this magnetic field, a process known as magnetization. This magnetization is what causes ferromagnetic metals to stick to magnets.
Now, why electrons are arranged in one direction in some materials is a question that has eluded scientists for so long. That is why magnetism is called a mysterious force.
There are two major theories as to why this phenomenon occurs-
The classical theory
The quantum mechanics theory
No matter how magnets work, they are an indispensable factor in our day-to-day life. Our phone, computer, camera, and everything we use involve the usage of magnets and magnetism.
Hope this helps the insane clown posse to answer your questions!
When two unlike poles of magnets are brought in proximity to each other, the north-seeking electrons will rush to the south pole of the other magnet and vice versa, making them stick together.
Now, what happens when a metal like iron and cobalt comes in contact with a magnet?
A metal that will stick to a magnet when in close proximity is called ferromagnetic metal.
All electrons in any particle create a magnetic field. But a net magnetic field is not present because the magnetic fields of single electrons cancel each other out.
But in magnetic objects, like a bar magnet, the electrons are arranged in one direction, which causes a tangible net magnetic field. The ferromagnetic metals become magnets when they come into contact with this magnetic field, a process known as magnetization. This magnetization is what causes ferromagnetic metals to stick to magnets.
Now, why electrons are arranged in one direction in some materials is a question that has eluded scientists for so long. That is why magnetism is called a mysterious force.
There are two major theories as to why this phenomenon occurs-
The classical theory
The quantum mechanics theory
No matter how magnets work, they are an indispensable factor in our day-to-day life. Our phone, computer, camera, and everything we use involve the usage of magnets and magnetism.
Hope this helps the insane clown posse to answer your questions!
