Magnets and magnetic forces — Physics, 7–10 years
A magnet can push or pull some materials without touching them. Its two ends behave differently, and the magnetic force can act through small gaps.
What magnets do
Magnets have a magnetic force around them. They attract some metals, such as iron and steel, but not every metal. Each magnet has a north pole and a south pole: unlike poles attract, while like poles repel.
Why people study magnets
A magnet solves a useful problem: it can move or hold certain objects without a hand touching them. Sailors used magnetised needles to find direction, and scientists studied the force to understand Earth and machines. Testing materials tells us which objects will respond.
Testing a magnet
Test a magnet on a steel paper clip, a wooden pencil, a copper coin and an aluminium foil strip. The paper clip is attracted, while the other three are not, so the magnet does not attract every metal or every object. Turn the magnet around near another magnet: one pair of ends attracts and the other pair pushes away.
A common mistake
Many people expect a magnet to attract every shiny metal object. That seems sensible because iron, steel and some other magnetic metals often look similar to aluminium or copper. The reliable test is not appearance: bring the magnet close and observe whether it pulls or pushes.
Where magnets are used
A compass uses a small magnet that turns to line up with Earth’s magnetic field. Magnets hold fridge doors, help speakers make sound and lift steel in recycling yards. Electric motors also use magnetic forces to turn electrical energy into movement.
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