Why Do Magnets Attract

Magnets can pull certain metals toward them without touching them. This invisible pulling force is called magnetism. Magnetism comes from the movement of tiny particles called electrons inside atoms. When many electrons spin in the same direction, the material becomes magnetic.

How Magnets Work

Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole. Opposite poles attract each other. Two north poles or two south poles push each other away. This is called repulsion. The area around a magnet where the force works is called a magnetic field. You can see a magnetic field's shape by sprinkling iron filings around a magnet.

What Magnets Attract

Magnets do not attract all metals. They attract iron, nickel, and cobalt. These are called ferromagnetic metals. Magnets do not attract aluminum, copper, or gold. In ferromagnetic metals, groups of atoms line up in the same direction. When a magnet comes near, it pulls these atoms into alignment.

Fun Facts

• The Earth itself is a giant magnet, which is why compass needles point north.
• The strongest magnets in the world are so powerful they can levitate a frog.
• Ancient people discovered magnetism using a mineral called lodestone.

Did You Know?

Refrigerator magnets are only magnetic on one side. The back side is arranged in a special pattern so the magnetic force is concentrated on the front, letting the magnet stick to the fridge!