A Magnet is an object that is surrounded by a magnetic field an which attracts materials including iron or steel either naturally or induced. Bar magnet, electromagnets, round magnet, wand magnet and horse shoe magnets are some of the popular magnets used in different fields and experiments.

Each magnet consists of two poles, popularly known as the North and South poles. These magnetic poles exert forces on each other in a way that like poles repel and unlike poles attract each other. A compass is type of a small magnet affected by the magnetic field of the Earth in a way that it points to a magnetic pole of the Earth.

Types of Magnets

• Permanent Magnets: These magnets do not rely upon outside influences to generate their magnetic field.
• Electromagnets: These magnets rely on an electric current to generate a magnetic field. Once the current is stopped, the object loses its magnetic property.

Use of Magnets
Magnets find application in every field and various experiments. These objects are used in:

• Educational Laboratories
• Audio Cassettes
• Floppy Disks and Hard Disks
• Loudspeakers and Microphones
• Electric Motors and Generators