Magnets are characterized by their magnetism.
Magnetism is the power that magnets and electric currents have to generate forces of repulsion or attraction on other elements. The term is usually associated with the ability of a magnet to attract iron.
Magnets are bodies that have great magnetism . Due to their properties, they attract ferromagnetic metals , such as nickel, cobalt and the aforementioned iron. The attractive forces become stronger at the poles (ends) of the magnet, which join together through the magnetic axis.
Magnetism, a natural phenomenon
We must not fail to highlight that magnetism is a phenomenon of nature , that is, it is found in these materials without human intervention. It is also possible to make alloys with some of them, to obtain other types of magnets. An alloy is the combination of several metallic elements (two or more) to take advantage of the properties of all of them.
The spatial region in which the magnet's capacity is manifested is known as the magnetic field . These fields can be represented by lines of force that start from one pole, surround the magnet and finally enter the other pole. Beyond magnets, all material present on our planet is influenced by the existence of a magnetic field, although the degree to which it affects it varies.
It is important to note that electric currents produce a magnetic field around them. This magnetism is given by the movement of electric charges. Thanks to the phenomenon it is possible to manufacture electromagnets, which are artificial magnets composed of an iron core with a coil around it; The electric current passes through said coil.
The operation of a compass is based on magnetism.
electromagnetic radiation
In the field of physics , on the other hand, magnetism also manifests itself, especially as one of the two parts that make up electromagnetic radiation , such as light .
Electromagnetic radiation is defined as a type of variable electromagnetic field, that is, it combines magnetic and electric fields that oscillate and propagate through space, carrying energy between two points. A classic view defines it as the electromagnetic waves generated by the sources of said field and that travel at the speed of light ( 186,282,397 miles per second ).
Magnetism throughout history
Regarding the history of magnetism, some of its phenomena were already known in Ancient Greece. In fact, it is believed that they were observed for the first time in the city Magnesia del Meander , and that it took its name from there. Among the knowledge of that time was the attraction that certain rocks produced in iron, in addition to that it had with other pieces of the same material. In other words, we are talking about natural magnets.
The Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus , born in the first half of the 7th century BC. C., was the first known scholar to have studied magnetism. Three centuries later, a manuscript was published in China in which the attraction between magnetite (a mineral composed of two iron oxides) and iron was discussed.
On the other hand, a study dates back to the beginning of the 1st century in which the attraction between a needle and magnetite was observed.
The attractiveness of someone or something
Magnetism, on the other hand, is the attractiveness of something or someone. Due to its magnetism, a situation, an object or an individual can exert an influence on people.
For example: "The magnetism of the French artist became noticeable from the first song of the show" , "Large luxury cars have magnetism among middle-aged millionaire men" , "No one can deny the magnetism of this type of show" .