A Magnet Research Paper

A magnet is any object that exhibits magnetic properties by attracting iron-containing objects and by creating a magnetic field. During 600 B.C. the Greeks were the first to use magnets when they encountered a mysterious stone that attracted iron and other similar material. Magnets attract ferrous objects such as iron, cobalt, nickel, and steel (How Magnets Work). Every magnet has a north and a south pole. The end that points to the North is called the North Pole while the pole that points South is called the South Pole. Opposite poles attract each other. Therefore, the North Pole of a magnet will attract to the South Pole of another magnet. On another note, same poles repel each other. Therefore, two North Poles will repel each other (Reis).

Magnetism is an aspect of magnets. Magnetism is a physical phenomenon caused by the forces of magnets. More in depth, magnetism is caused by the motion of electric charged particle. All material experience magnetism, however some more strongly than others. Permanent magnets experience the strongest magnetism, known as ferromagnetism. Iron is an example of a permanent magnet. Other ferromagnetic materials include nickel and cobalt (Lucas).
Another aspect of a magnet is its magnetic field.

A magnetic field is the space surrounding a magnet where magnetic forces are exerted. The magnetic field of a bar magnet occurs from the motion of charged electrons in the magnet (Walker). The magnetic field of a magnet begins and end at its magnetic poles. Magnetic field lines are a graphical portrayal of the magnitude and the direction of a magnetic field. Magnetic field lines converge at the magnetic poles. The strength of a magnetic field is inversely proportional to the distance between each magnetic field line. These magnetic field lines never intersect each other. Magnetic field lines can be easily observed by seeing how iron-fillings assemble along a magnets field lines

(Boundless).
The Earth acts like magnet and has its own magnetic field. The Earth’s molten core rotates at a very high speed generating the planet’s magnetic field (References). Similar to a magnet, the Earth has a South and a North pole. The South pole of the Earth magnet is geographically located in the North because it’s a North seeking pole, which means its attracted to the North. The same occurs vice versa, the North pole of the Earth magnet is located in the South because it is a South seeking pole. The Earth’s magnetic field is inclined at a fifteen degrees angle. It is believed that the Earth’s magnetism is caused by the magnetic effect of currents flowing in the Earth’s liquid core (How Magnets Work). The Earth’s magnetic field protects us from harmful particles that are constantly heading towards the Earth. The magnetosphere protects Earth by deflecting intense radiation and by preventing solar winds from striking the Earth directly (References).
There are four different types of magnets.

The four different types of magnets are: ceramic magnets, alnico magnets, neodymium magnets, and samarium cobalt. Ceramic magnets contain iron oxide in a ceramic composite and are the ones used in refrigerators. Ceramic magnets, also known as ferric magnets, are fairly weak. Alnico magnets are made of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Alnico magnets are much stronger than ceramic magnets, but are not stronger than magnets that contain rare-earth metals. Neodymium magnets contain iron, boron and neodymium. Neodymium is a rare-earth metal. Samarium cobalt magnets are made of cobalt and the rare-earth element samarium. Scientist have also discovered plastic magnets, known as magnetic polymer. However, some only work at very low

temperatures.
Magnets are used in numerous ways. They are used around the house, in industries, and as transportation. There are innumerable objects around the house that contain magnets. Magnets can be found in headphones, computer speakers, microwave tubes, and refrigerators. Magnets are used to seal refrigerator doors but are also put on refrigerators to hand stuff or as decoration. Magnets are also used to make credit cards and certain types of IDs. Magnets are also used in certain industries as maintenance and organization. For example, magnetic sweepers are used to pick up magnetic material from the floor. The mining industry also uses magnets to separate metals from ore. The food industry also uses magnet to prevent iron particles from mixing with the food. Magnets are also used in transportation, most notably in maglev Trains. Maglev trains operate without wheels since they float above the tracks. They are able to float due to the magnetic repulsion between the electromagnets in the tracks and the ones under the train. (How Magnets Work).