What is magnetism definition for kids

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Even the Earth we live on is a giant magnet! The middle of our planet is made of two metals called iron and nickel. Both metals are attracted to magnets. These special metals can also become magnets. Our planet is always turning around in space, and Earth's metal core is turning, too.

These movements make a magnetic force that surrounds the Earth called a magnetic field. A magnetic field is the area around a magnet that has magnetic force. All magnets have a magnetic field, no matter how big they are. Things that are attracted to magnets are called magnetic objects. All magnetic objects are made of metal, but not all metals are magnetic. The main metals that are attracted by magnets are iron, cobalt and nickel.

You can turn one of these metals into a magnet by rubbing it with a magnet! This could be around the house or outside around your local environment.

Do you have any magnets around the house? What are they used for? Can you investigate different uses for magnets? Find out about how electricity and magnetism are linked. Make your own fridge magnets and decorate them in any way you like. More like this. Build a metal detector and learn about magnetism. How are magnets used. What is a force? Magnetic magic trick. A magnetic field is the region in space where a magnetic force can be detected. Magnetism is the force of attraction or repulsion between substances made of certain materials, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel.

The force of magnetism, simply put, is due to the motion of electric charges. Magnets are present in most electronic devices. In fact, anything that has a motor uses a magnet.

Televisions, computers and microwave ovens all operate with magnets. Magnets are used to keep refrigerator doors closed and are even mounted on trucks that clean roads. More uses for magnets are found every day. Magnets attract, or pull, objects made with iron. Paper clips, scissors, screws, nuts, and bolts are just a few common everyday objects that are magnetic.

A magnet will not attract paper, rubber, wood, or plastic. It is not true that a magnet will attract any kind of metal. For example, aluminium cans are metal, but do not contain iron, therefore they are not magnetic. Steel is a metal that is made with iron, so steel objects like tools and silverware are usually magnetic. Magnets have been used by humans since ancient Greece. It is believed that naturally occurring minerals called magnetite were first discovered by the Ancient Greeks in the area of Turkey.

The Vikings were known as the first people to use this magnetic material to create compasses that allowed them to navigate across water through poor weather conditions to discover and conquer new land.

It is thought that the Vikings kept the magnetic compass a secret for many years. Magnetic compasses can now be found in every ship across the world to navigate the open seas. Today almost all magnets are manufactured using various natural materials from around the world. Magnetism is what gives magnets their ability to attract objects made of iron or steel. A magnet creates around itself a region of space with special properties. This region is known as a magnetic field.

When two magnets come near each other, their fields create forces that attract or repel.