An Introduction To Permanent Magnets

Any metal that has a magnetic field is a magnet. The magnetic field is the area around the magnet that is 'magnetized'. Every single magnet has two poles. Identical poles will resist each other while opposite poles will attract each other. A magnet will attach to any metal that contains iron. However, some magnets are stronger and longer lasting than others. There are two general categories of magnets: temporary magnets and permanent magnets.

Temporary magnets only work when they are located close enough to a magnetic field. These magnets lose their magnetism once this magnetic field is no longer around. A nail, for instance, is a good example of a temporary magnet. Temporary magnets are used inside phones. Some temporary magnets are in fact electro magnets. These magnets are used together with an electrical current. This current causes the temporary magnet to retain its magnetism.







Once the electronic current is gone, the electromagnet will lose its magnetism. A magnet of this nature can be switched on and off by adjusting the source of power. Electromagnets are very useful. These magnets are used in cars, MRI machines and in certain types of industrial equipment. In some cases, electromagnets are more useful then permanent magnets, as one can control how much magnetism electromagnets have by simply adjusting the source of power. Because one can adjust how much magnetism electromagnets have at any given time, these magnets are a lot more versatile than permanent magnets or temporary magnets.

Permanent magnets are ones that do not lose their magnetism. However, permanent magnets may not appear large or imposing. A refrigerator magnet, for instance, is a good example of a permanent magnet. However, some permanent magnets are extremely powerful. Neodymium rare earth magnets are some of the most powerful magnets on earth. They naturally cost more but can also do a lot more. Neodymium magnets are commonly used in cars, computers, credit cards and speakers. A person can also purchase these magnets on their own, but extreme caution should be used when storing them. They can wipe the data of a disc, cell phone or credit card if placed too close by. Neodymium magnets can also cause bodily injury if mishandled. Even a small neodymium magnet can be quite potent and should never be left in the reach of a small child.


Magnets are extremely useful. Without magnets, mankind would not be able to use many modern inventions that are taken for granted today. While there are different types of magnets, no one type is necessarily better than the other. Each type of magnet is useful in its own right. A person who wants to learn more about magnetism will find that experimenting with different types of magnet can be a lot of fun.