What is magnetism?

Electrical currents are able to influence other electrical currents, and this force is called magnetism. Permanent magnets are materials in which this magnetic effect occurs because of the natural movement of electrons. Magnetism can also be caused by the flow of an electrical current through wires. The magnetic force of a magnet can repel (push) or attract (pull) another magnet or magnetic material.

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What is a magnetic field?

The area around a magnet where its magnetic force can be detected is called the magnetic field. You can see how this works if you lay a piece of paper over a magnet and sprinkle iron filings on it. The filings immediately arrange themselves in curved lines. You can see how these lines of magnetic force align themselves between the two poles, or ends, of the magnet.

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