Magnetism and electricity are two separate terms but interconnected phenomena which form the basis of electromagnetism. Magnetism is the force exerted by the magnets caused by the motion of electric charges. Magnetising a wire’s coil can be one of the uses of magnets. All the magnets have two poles: north and south. The earth is also a magnet. The magnetic field with invisible lines of forces are created by the currents flowing between the earth’s magnetic poles, the reason why the earth acts as a magnet. The article will shed light on magnets, the uses and types of magnets and many more.

Types of Magnets

There are three types of magnets.

1. Permanent Magnet – Permanent magnets are the most common form of a magnet. Like their name, permanent magnets are permanently magnetised, which means that once they get magnetised, they will not lose their magnetic properties. The four types of permanent magnets are Neodymium Iron Boron(NdFeB), ceramic or ferrite, Samarium Cobalt(SmCo) and Alnico.

1. Electromagnets – Unlike other magnets, electromagnets are linked to the formation of solenoids, i.e. a wire’s coil is wrapped around a metal core made of iron. The formation is then exposed to the electric current, which creates a magnetic field and makes the solenoid act as a magnet. The strength of the magnetic field depends on the number of loops and the strength of the current provided.

1. Temporary Magnets – Temporary magnets are materials that can be magnetised in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic property of these substances depends on the magnetic field; once the magnetic field is removed, they lose their magnetic property. Some examples of temporary magnets are iron filings and paper clips.

Uses of Magnets

In our everyday life, we often come across magnets of different types. Some of the uses of magnets are listed below, which depicts the importance of magnets in our daily life.

Computers

Magnets are utilised in computers to accumulate data on a hard disk. The use of a magnet in a computer alters the magnetic material’s direction on hard disks in components that are employed to represent the data stored on the computer. Magnets are not only used to represent or store the data but also read it. The speakers located in the computers also utilise magnets to convert electronic signals and change them to sound vibrations. Computers, cassette tapes and credit cars also use magnets to store or read data.

Health Industry

In the health industry, magnets are utilised in medical equipment, for example, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs). Magnets in MRI scans generate a signal like a scanner from the body by using powerful magnetic fields. These signals create detailed images of organs, bones and tissues to diagnose the patient’s medical conditions. Magnets are also used to treat cancer. A magnetically sensitive fluid is injected inside the patient’s body. Heat is generated inside the body using a potent magnet. This heat aids installing the growth of cancer cells inside the body and even kills them. 

Electrical Industry

In the electrical industry, magnets convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, while in some motors, magnets convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Any appliance that uses electricity to create movement in substances uses magnets. The electrically powered magnets in cranes are used to move large, heavy pieces of metal. Magnetic sorting machines separate the useful metallic ores from the crushed rock in the mines. The force in electric motors is also created by the electricity and magnetic field created by magnets.

Domestic Application

At home, magnets may not serve a huge purpose like in industries, but magnets have minor uses in our daily lives. Magnets are used to hold papers on the refrigerator’s door and in bottle openers. Machines like vacuum cleaners, blenders, washing machines, etc., all possess electric motors working on magnetic principles. You can also find magnets in doorbells, phones, weights for shower curtains and toys for children. Some jewellery also has magnetic clasps to clip the ends together.

Conclusion 

We have discussed in detail magnets, types of magnets and uses of magnets.  

Magnetism surrounds us. It is a fundamental natural force that has several applications in our day-to-day life. Understanding how magnets work has inspired us to develop several groundbreaking and lifesaving technologies. Knowing how magnets are used from a minor level at home to a more advanced level in industries and hospitals has helped us realise its vast scope and utility.