Magnetism is a mysterious, powerful force that can be explained with science, but which is also a little like magic. Magnetism is a source of wonder, an invisible force field, pulling and pushing things without touching them. Describing magnetism sounds like something from a comic book on superpowers and yet it is part of our everyday. Without the superpower pof magnetism, life as we know it, would be almost impossible.
Magnetism is a force that comes from moving electric charges and is one of the fundamental forces of nature. It’s what makes magnets stick to your fridge, compasses point north and even helps keep your phone and laptop working. Over the course of your day, you will interact with and rely on magnetism to perform countless tasks. You can’t see it or touch it, but magnetism is all around you.
Have you ever asked why you can’t see magnetism?
Magnetism is a little like wind. You can’t see the wind, but you can see and feel its effect - when it blows past your face, when it bends the trees or fills a sail on a boat. Magnetism works the same way. It’s an invisible force caused by the movement of tiny, charged particles (electrons). While we can’t see magnetic fields, we can see their effects, like iron filings lining up around a magnet or a compass needle swinging mysteriously toward the North Pole.
Could we live without magnetism?
Not a chance! Magnetism isn't just about fridge magnets—it plays a huge role in keeping Earth - and us - alive. Magnetism provides our planet with a magnetic shield, protecting us from dangerous radiation. Without it, solar storms would strip away our atmosphere, making Earth as lifeless as Mars.
Magnetism is at the core of our modern technology. Most of the high-tech equipment we use every day – our smartphones, credit cards, laptops, TVs, medical equipment, even our cars - relies on magnetism.
Even the processing of our food, medicines, plastics and recycling relies on magnets to keep those products pure and safe. Magnets are also vital in renewable energy like wind turbines. Imagine your daily life without those gadgets and without safe, clean food and medicine. You couldn’t communicate, shop, watch your favourite programs, catch a bus or train, work on your computer or enjoy some of your favourite foods without it. The impact and scope of magnetism on our daily activities is vast and profound.
Even more amazing is the fact that our bodies also rely on magnetism. Your brain and heart create tiny magnetic fields as they send electrical signals. Without magnetism, our nervous system wouldn't work properly. In a way, we are walking magnets, existing in a magnetic world. And you thought magnets were just for pinning notes to your fridge!
When you next open or close your laptop, remember – there’s magnetism at work there. The next time you turn on your phone, thank magnetism. When you pop earbuds in to listen to your favourite music, click a cupboard door shut, see a massive wind turbine spinning, enjoy your favourite foods, take your medicine, it’s magnetism that has made it possible.
So even though you can’t see magnetism, you are witnessing one of the universe’s most incredible, invisible forces in action!
