Uses of Magnets in Everyday Life

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When you were young, you may have remembered about trying to make objects stick together or move things, like metal paperclips, just by using a magnet. Back then, you probably thought that magnets’ only exist as play things. But, now that you’re older, you’ve realised that these objects play a significant role in day-to-day life.
In fact, everything that works around you makes use of the magnetic field. Although you cannot see it, you can be aware of it if you observe your surroundings. Magnets can be found in the simplest or the most complex devices you employ every day. From your home appliances like refrigerator, microwave oven and electric fan, to your business office equipment like computers and printers—all of these devices make use of magnets.
What is a magnet?
A magnet is a solid object, usually made of metal iron, which has the ability to attract other materials (e.g., iron, steel, cobalt and nickel) within a magnetic field.
How Magnets Work
A magnet has an invisible field that forces other objects to respond to its properties. This powerful force, which is referred to as the magnetic field, has particles called electrons that actively shift and move within the field. These electrons constantly revolve around the poles, thereby creating energy that attracts objects. Because of this, a magnet has the ability to draw objects towards itself. This ability, which is called magnetism, is caused by the force field that magnets create through its protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge).
The Two Poles
A magnet also has two poles, called the north pole and the south pole. Although these poles appear the same, they act differently. If two magnets are close together, you’ll observe that unlike poles attract each...

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...placing a soft metal core (commonly an iron alloy) inside a coil of wire through which electric current passes in order to produce a magnetic field. The strength and polarity of the magnetic field changes depending on the magnitude of the current flowing through the wire and the direction of the current flow. While there is sufficient flow of current, the core behaves like a magnet; however, as soon as the current stops, the magnetic properties also disappear. Modern devices that make use of electromagnets are the televisions, telephones, computers and electric motors.
Bottom Line
The various types of magnets are used in countless facets in everyday life. Thousands of industries, including automotive, electronics, aerospace, craft, manufacturing, printing, therapeutic and mining utilise magnets so that their machineries, tools and equipment can properly function.

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