Magnets work due to the alignment of tiny regions inside certain materials called magnetic domains. Each domain is a group of atoms whose electrons have spins that generate small magnetic fields. In most materials, these domains point in random directions, canceling each other out so the material is not magnetic. However, in ferromagnetic materials like iron, cobalt, and nickel, many domains can align in the same direction, creating a net magnetic field that makes the object a magnet
. At the atomic level, electrons have an intrinsic property called spin, which produces a magnetic moment. When many electron spins in a material align, their magnetic fields add up. This alignment can be influenced by an external magnetic field or electric current. When the domains inside a material line up, the material becomes magnetized. If the alignment remains after removing the external influence, the magnet is permanent; if not, it is temporary or soft magnet
. Magnets have two poles, north and south. Opposite poles attract each other, while like poles repel. This magnetic force arises from the magnetic field generated by the aligned domains within the magnet. Heating or physically striking a magnet can disrupt the alignment of domains, causing it to lose its magnetism
. In summary:
- Magnets are materials with aligned magnetic domains.
- Electron spins create tiny magnetic fields; alignment of these spins produces a net magnetic field.
- Ferromagnetic materials have domains that can be aligned, creating permanent or temporary magnets.
- Magnetic poles cause attraction or repulsion between magnets.
- External factors like heat or impact can disrupt magnetism by randomizing domain alignment
