Magnetism

Do you know about magnets? Over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese discovered Lodestone (the mineral that magnets are made from) and its basic capabilities. They would first take these Lodestones and place them on in an orderly fashion; then they would watch how the stones would orientate themselves in a similar manner everytime!

Magnets were first used in the form of compasses. During the years long ago, the Greeks occupied Turkey. Here they found a huge Lodestone deposit and made use of it. Can you guess what the name of this 'magnetic' region was called? It was called Magnesia, derived from the tribal term 'Magnetes'.

Lodestone is a magnetic mineral in which contains an invisible (weak) force.

Magnetic lines of force are strongest at the two poles- north and south. However, the lines of force run through the magnet, or in other words, from pole to pole. On the outside of the magnet, the magnetic lines of force loop around the magnet (see 2nd image above).

These magnetic lines of force then create a 3-Dimensional magnetic field. This field is the combination of all lines of force together.

Examples and Applications: The Auroras in the North and South Poles are one example of magnetism in everyday life. Each Aurora is caused by trapped light particles which are being emitted from the sun, which then follow along the lines of force, which then meet up where the loops close- at each pole. (See 1st image above)

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Oh, did I mention that there is a North Pole in the South Pole and a South Pole in the North Pole? Well, we will get into that later!