Thursday 3 November 2011

Magnet

A magnet is an object that has a magnetic field. A magnetic field is basically a field where unlike poles attract each other and like poles repel each other. A magnet has two ends: a North end and a South end. The end that points north is called the north pole of the magnet and the end that points south is called the south pole of the magnet.

Attraction and repulsion

Unlike poles attract each other. This means that the north pole of one magnet will be attracted to the south pole of another magnet. The north pole of one magnet will repel the north pole of another magnet.Magnets attract metallic objects like pieces of iron and steel.Today, magnets are made in various shapes and sizes depending on their use. One of the most common magnets is the bar magnet. A bar magnet is a long, rectangular-shaped magnet that attracts metallic objects.Magnets can be grouped into permanent magnets and temporary magnets.


Permanent magnet

A permanent magnet is the most common type of magnet. You probably have a permanent magnet at home. A fridge magnet is an example of a permanent magnet. A permanent magnet keeps its magnetism for a long time. It is a very strong magnet.Permanent magnets can be made into all sorts of different shapes and sizes. They can be made into horseshoes, donuts, rings, rectangles and round bars.


Temporary magnets

A temporary magnet is not as strong as a permanent magnet. A temporary magnet will only behave like a permanent magnet when it is in a strong magnetic field. When the magnetic field disappears, the temporary magnet loses its strength. Some examples of temporary magnets include paper clips and iron nails.


Enjoy reading! =)

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