What causes a magnet to attract or repel another magnet?

All magnets have two ends, which are commonly referred to as north and south poles. The determining factor of whether a magnet attracts or repels is the pole. Magnets attract when a north pole is introduced to a south pole. If like poles are introduced, either north to north or south to south, the magnets repel.

Why do magnets work through different materials?

The magnetic force (or magnetism) can pass through thin sheets of non-magnetic objects such as paper, glass or wood. However, if the magnet is too weak and the material is too thick, the magnetic force may not be able to pass through. This is because iron is a magnetic material.

Why do magnets produce a magnetic field?

Magnets are different because the molecules in magnets are arranged so that their electrons spin in the same direction. This arrangement and movement creates a magnetic force that flows out from a north-seeking pole and from a south-seeking pole. This magnetic force creates a magnetic field around a magnet.

How does the magnetic field stay magnetized?

Magnets stay magnetized until something destabilizes them. The constant jostling of molecules (i.e. heat) slowly disorganizes the magnetic domains in a magnet, and this happens faster the hotter the magnet. Ultimately, a magnet will align itself to any pre-existing magnetic field, such as that of the earth.

Are all materials attracted to a magnet?

Magnetic materials are always made of metal, but not all metals are magnetic. Iron is magnetic, so any metal with iron in it will be attracted to a magnet. Most other metals, for example aluminium, copper and gold, are NOT magnetic. Two metals that aren’t magnetic are gold and silver.

How are magnets magnetised?

To become magnetized, another strongly magnetic substance must enter the magnetic field of an existing magnet. When you rub a piece of iron along a magnet, the north-seeking poles of the atoms in the iron line up in the same direction. The force generated by the aligned atoms creates a magnetic field.

How does magnetism depend on the magnetic field and magnetic force?

Magnetism is one aspect of the combined electromagnetic force. The motion of electrically charged particles gives rise to magnetism. The force acting on an electrically charged particle in a magnetic field depends on the magnitude of the charge, the velocity of the particle, and the strength of the magnetic field.

How can a magnet make magnetic material?

Rubbing. Stroke a magnet in one direction along your object in the area you wish to magnetize. This will align the domains of the material in the same direction. Continue rubbing in the same direction, in the same area.

How do you magnetize a magnetic material?

Methods of magnetizing a magnetic material are :

1. Single-touch method — A magnet is rubbed along the magnetic substance from one end to another.
2. Double-touch method — Opposite poles of two magnets are placed next to each other at the center of the magnetic substance and rubbed in opposite direction along it.