About All You Need to Know Magnetism About All You Need to Know

From end to end Magnets have two poles, or ends. Magnets have a north pole and a south pole, just like the Earth.

Opposites attract Like poles repel, or push away. Opposite poles attract, or pull together.

Magnetic field A magnetic field is the area around a magnet where magnetic force acts. The Earth has a magnetic field. This explains the moon’s position.

What do magnets attract? Magnets will only attract materials containing iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel. So, a magnet would not attract an aluminum soda can.

Uses of magnets Compasses for navigation. Screwdrivers can be magnetized. Recycling plants use huge magnets to separate steel and aluminum.