Magnetism is in some ways one of the simplest of scientific principles to understand. It is also one of the most fascinating. Most of us can recall early school experiments, and the fascination of feeling the push and pull of simple bar magnets and seeing iron filings cling to them (someone always had to do that). Some of us may have also experimented with making a simple electromagnet too. Electromagnetism has a huge part to play in our daily lives as does the use of static magnets.
We can all instantly think of the simple fridge magnets that decorate our fridges or filing cabinets. Promotional magnets are all the rage it seems. Car magnets and magnetic business cards a cheap and often effective form of advertising.
Probably the other most common way we see the familiar magnet at work is the magnetic strip on credit and ATM cards. Information is held on ‘tracks’ on the stripe. We all know the annoyance though of a dirty or damaged magnetic stripe not working. Take care too not to let your cards come in contact with your refrigerator magnets or the information could be erased.
Magnets are also used in washing machines, fridges, escalators and elevators, and numerous small appliances. These magnets are generally hidden away quietly doing their job. Some of these magnets are static. Computers, TV’s, and DVD players are usually making use of electromagnets.
Electricity and magnetism have a strong interrelationship. Electromagnets are based on the principle that electricity can produce a magnetic field. The advantage of electromagnets is that they can be stopped and started and their strength relatively controlled. As well as in your home appliances you can see the strength of electromagnetism at work wrecking cars, and on roller coasters. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a good example of the use of electromagnetism being used in the medical field. Electricity and magnetism also combine in both simple and more complex generators.
Magnetism is fascinating in both its simplicity and complexity. Modern technology is always finding new ways to put its principles to use both in our every day lives and in highly specialised areas.
