Make Learning About Magnets Fun
The Earth itself is one giant magnetic force, and the magnesian stone is a naturally occurring permanent magnet. Magnets used in household objects and industrial processes are manmade, however, such as rare earth magnets, which are alloys of elements such as aluminum, copper and cobalt. There are two main categories of magnets: permanent magnets and induced magnets. Permanent magnets have a constant magnetic field surrounding them, while induced magnets only have magnetic properties when they come into contact with a permanent magnet.
Making your own magnet is a fun science experiment for kids keen to learn more about magnets and how they work. A really simple experiment is to create a small magnet that does not have a particularly large field of attraction. Find a permanent magnet, such as a refrigerator magnet, and gather a handful of tacks. Next, find a ferromagnetic object (an object that is strongly attracted to magnets but is not a permanent magnet itself) such as a large paper clip. Put a piece of paper onto a flat surface and place the clip on top. Using a swiping motion in one direction only, rub the permanent magnet over the surface of the clip. Repeat this movement 50 times. Place your tacks onto another sheet of paper, and hold your clip above them. If the experiment has been done properly, the tacks will attach themselves to the clip; the clip has become a temporary magnet.
Another way to create a magnet is to make an electromagnet. Find a large iron nail, copper wire and a D-cell battery. Wind the copper wire around the length of the iron nail, pulling it tight. Next, attach the copper wire to the battery: the lower end to the negative point on the battery and the higher end to the positive point. Use your creation to pick up the tacks. This electromagnet should work even after it has been taken away from the battery.
Electromagnets made from rare earth magnets are commonly used in manufacturing processes and in industry, for example as part of a crane picking up material in a scrap yard.
An interesting use of magnets is to encourage plant growth, known as biomagnetics. Back in 1862, Louis Pasteur carried out experiments on fermentation and discovered that the earth’s natural magnetism affects plant growth. Seeds and water may be magnetized to help plants grow faster. A magnetizer improves seed germination by exposing them to the south pole of a manufactured magnet prior to sowing, although certain seeds–such as potatoes and carrots–grow better if exposed to the north pole of the magnet. This is because the types of starch molecules are different in certain seeds. Magnetized water is commonly used for irrigation as it improves the soil’s fertility.
About the Author
Please visit our website here for more information or visit our blog. Thank you.
The Electro-magnetic Mosque and The Floating Stone
|
|
Wusthof 10-Inch Sharpening Steel $22.00 4473 Features: -Sharpening steel.-10-inch long rod.-Slip-resistant synthetic handle with bolster for safe handling.-Used for honing.-Hanging loop on handle.-Made in Germany. Construction: -Steel construction. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 1” H x 1” W x 14” D…. |
|
|
Minecraft Sheet Magnets $16.50 Punching your refrigerator will NOT give you milk! It’s late. You can hear the zombies outside the castle walls, but you’ve got to keep on digging because… Well, because digging is the whole point, right? But then you get hungry in the real world. Your stomach gurgles and complains. Now you’ll have to get up and walk all the way to the kitchen to get some food! You might even need to use the mi… |
|
|
Le Creuset Enameled Stoneware Crock, Caribbean $36.00 PG1001-17 Features: -Durable, non-porous enamel resists chipping, scratching, staining.-Attractive and practical decoration.-Oven and microwave safe.-Refrigerator and freezer safe.-Material: Stoneware.-Capacity: 2.25-Quart.-Cleaning and Care: Dishwasher safe. Color/Finish: -Beautiful Caribbean color. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 6.5” H x 5.75” W…. |
|
|
Megalithic Symphony $5.68 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Monkee Mania: Live in Toronto 2002 $18.97 Recorded live at Casino Rama in Toronto in January 2002, Monkee Mania revisits Monkees classics, performed by Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones! Track listing: 1. Intro/Last Train To Clarksville 2. Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow) 3. The Girl I Knew Somewhere 4. A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 5. I’ll Love You Forever 6. Randy Scouse Git 7. Nice To Be With You 8. Goin’ Down 9. Girl 10. That Was Then, Th… |
|
|
Get Up (Mixes By Terry Lex, ThomChris, DJ Groove, Steve Banks, Nikolas Gale, Sonocs, Magnetic Project and Dirty Nights) $5.99 … |
|
|
Those Magnificent Men Their Flying Machines [VHS] $5.24 An air race from London to Paris provides the premise for this marvelous comedy, which features thrilling aerial photography and some stupefying stunt flying. It’s set in 1910, when the (lovingly re-created) airplanes of the period were likelier to sputter and crash than they were to go in a straight line. The international contest requires an international cast, including Stuart Whitman as a cowb… |
|
|
DMT DMGEF Diafold Magna-Guide Sharpening System $24.96 The Magna-Guide Sharpening System offers two Diamond Whet Stone surfaces in one lightweight, portable sharpener. This multi-use diamond knife sharpener can be used on blades, kitchen knives, specialty tools and garden tools. It sharpens in a fraction of the time required by conventional stones. No messy oils are needed – sharpen dry or with water. This professional knife sharpener features… |
|
|
Rock Hide-a-Key & Warning Decal Set $5.77 A lot of people hide their spare house keys under their door mats or under flower pots on the front porch. This is the first place thieves will look to gain access to your home. With the Rock Hide-a-Key you will never be locked out again. Only you and your family members will know the secret place where your key is hidden. The Rock Hide-a-Key looks just like an ordinary rock and allows you to hide… |
|
|
Magnetic Pick-Up Tool Neon Orange Telescoping WL-814SL $3.99 Magnetic Pick-Up Tool Neon Orange Telescoping WL-814SL 8-10 Lb. Pickup Strength |
|
|
Sabona Women’s Stainless Steel Black Stone Magnetic Bracelet $51.99 This delicate bracelet is crafted of stainless steel and features black stone highlights and a highly polished finish. This bracelet features one 1200 gauss magnet in each stainless steel link. |