The Basics of Magnetism
Objectives
Magnetism can seem mysterious and unknowable.
But not to worry! In this lesson we will reveal the secret cause of magnetism and examine some of the basic properties of magnetic fields.
The Electrons
You don't get magnetism without electrons.
Specifically, magnetism comes from the spin and motion of an electron which causes it to act as a tiny magnet unto itself.
In most materials, the tiny magnetic fields of the electrons are all pointed in random directions, effectively cancelling each other out.
But in a magnet, these electrons are in alignment.
Instead of cancelling each other out, the tiny magnetic fields reinforce each other to create a big magnetic field.
Many materials, such as iron, do not naturally have their electrons in alignment, but they will become aligned if they are placed within an external magnetic field.
Removing these materials from the existing magnetic field will allow them to become disorganized again.
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