Magnetism is a force of nature produced by moving electric charges. It is the force exerted by magnets when they attract or repel each other. Magnetism is caused by the motion of electric charges, which can take many forms, such as an electric current in a conductor or charged particles moving through space. Magnetism is also associated with elementary particles, such as the electron, that have a property called spin.

Key facts about magnetism include:

• Magnetic field: All magnets have a magnetic field, which is the region around the magnet where its magnetic force can be detected. The magnetic field is strongest at the poles of the magnet.

• Magnetic materials: Certain materials, such as iron, cobalt, and nickel, can be given a temporary magnetic field by placing them inside of a larger, powerful field, but eventually, those materials will lose their magnetism. Other materials, such as iron, are known as permanent magnets, which means that they can sustain a permanent magnetic field.

• Magnetic domains: In an unmagnetized piece of iron, the magnetic domains are randomly oriented, canceling each other out. When the iron is magnetized, the domains align, creating a net magnetic field.

• Magnetic force: The magnetic force on charges moving in a magnetic field is at right angles to both the field and the velocity of the charge. This force deflects the particles without changing their speed.

• Electromagnetism: Magnetism and electricity represent different aspects of the force of electromagnetism, which is one part of Natures fundamental electroweak force.

Magnetism has a rich history, and the word "magnet" comes from lodestones, which are objects that would attract other objects like it, other magnets, or even metallic objects like iron. Magnets are easy to use, safe, and fun, and playing with magnets is one of the first bits of science most children discover.