Magnets

I am a horseshoe magnet

A lot of legends tell us about the discovery of magnets. The most popular one comes from an elderly shepherd named Magnets, who was herding his sheep in an area called Magnesia (Northern Greece), about 4,000 years ago. 

According to the story, it is said that both nails in his shoes and the metal tip of his staff became firmly stuck to the large, black rock on which he was standing. Later after that, people named that type of rock magnetite, after either Magnesia or Magnets (himself). 

However, after years of research, the scientist finally able to identify that type of large black rock was a lodestone, also known as a natural magnet. Through the development of science and technology, man-made magnets are eventually created. 

Therefore, the magnets such as bar, u-shape, horseshoe, ring and button are all man-made magnets. So, what is a magnet? 

Magnet is a stone or a piece of metal that attracts some other metals. Magnets create an area of the magnetic field around them. 

What is the use of magnets? 

Magnets are mostly found in electronic devices. Anything that has a motor uses a magnet. Televisions, computers and microwaves ovens all operate with magnets. Magnets can also be used to slow down roller coasters and subways. Another use of magnets is to keep refrigerator doors closed and many more. 

What are the characteristics of magnets?

Well, they are usually made of iron, able to repel and attract. It has two poles that are known as the south pole (S-pole) and north pole (N-pole). 

A pair of bar magnet

The blue end of a magnet is usually the south pole. The red end of a magnet is usually the north pole.

These magnets are attracting (S-pole and N-pole)

If you put two magnets together with different poles pointing towards one another, the magnets will pull towards each other. We say they attract each other. 

When two magnets are close, they create pushing or pulling forces on one another. These forces are strongest at the ends of the magnets. When the poles are different, they create a force of attraction while if the poles are like, they create a force of repulsion. 

These two magnets are repelling (N-pole and N-pole). They are like poles (S-pole and S-pole will also repel)

If you try to put two magnets together with the same poles pointing towards one another, the magnets will push away from each other. We say they repel each other. 

PS : 

Attract: to pull towards each other

Repel: to push away from each other

Magnetic and non-magnetic materials 

Magnets can attract magnetic materials that are made of metals. Yet not all metals are magnetic. Metals that are magnetic such as iron and steel, while other metals like gold, copper, aluminium and others are not magnetic. 

To understand more about magnets, you may watch this video:

So that's the explanation of magnets, I hope that it can help you understand about it. 

Now, let's try this!

Now you understand that not all objects are magnetic. Can you identify magnetic and non-magnetic objects in your home? Please submit your answer in the following comment box!.

Your loyal Cap. Idaa 

Ciao

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