Magnetism 101
What Is Magnetism?
Magnetism is a force made by magnets that attracts or repels other objects.
This force is created by electrons spinning around the nucleus of an atom. Because electrons have electric charges, their spinning creates an electric current making each one act like a little magnet. When many electrons spin the same way, they create a magnetic field— an invisible “bubble” of energy around them that can push or pull on certain materials like iron.
You’ve probably seen magnets used on a fridge or in compasses, but magnetic fields are everywhere! They’re an important part of how the Earth works, are used in all kinds of items like phones and cars, and even are used to power our homes with electricity.
The Earth functions as a giant magnet due to the movement of molten iron and other metals in its outer core. This motion generates a powerful magnetic field that extends far into space and surrounds the planet. Earth's magnetic field plays a critical role in shielding life from the sun’s charged particles by deflecting most of them away before they can reach the surface.
However, some particles do enter near the magnetic poles, where they interact with gases in the upper atmosphere to create auroras. These events are a striking visual reminder of the invisible magnetic forces at work around our planet.
Over long periods of time, the Earth’s magnetic field changes as molten metal moves within the outer core. This movement causes the magnetic poles to shift and sometimes reverse entirely. Throughout Earth’s history, these reversals have happened many times, and scientists continue to study them to better understand our planet’s dynamic interior.
earth’s Magnetic Fields
WHy Magnetism Matters
Magnetism plays a vital role in the world around us, even if we don’t always notice it. It powers electric motors, stores digital information, enables medical imaging, and helps guide everything from satellites to smartphones. On a larger scale, magnetic fields protect our planet from solar radiation and influence space weather and planetary evolution.
Despite its importance, magnetism is often approached as a supporting concept. It is used as a tool within engineering and applied sciences rather than studied as a natural phenomenon on its own. While the core principles of electromagnetism are well understood through Maxwell’s equations, the complexity of magnetic interactions, especially in dynamic or overlapping systems, leaves much room for exploration and discovery.
This presents an opportunity. With accessible tools and a spirit of curiosity, anyone can begin to observe, experiment, and contribute to a deeper understanding of magnetism. By studying these forces more directly, we open the door to new technologies, new insights, and a richer understanding of the world around us.