Introduction to the Mystery of Magnetism

After reading this section you will be able to do the following:

  • Identify a number of common items that rely on magnetism to work.

Each time you turn on a light, listen to your stereo, fly in an airplane, or watch TV, you are depending on the principles of magnetism to work for you. Take a look at the pictures below. All of the items in these pictures have something to do with magnetism.

Image of a dam
Hydroelectric Dam
Image of an electric fan
Fan
Image of a device used for magnetic particle inspection.
Magnetic Particle Inspection Unit
Image of a video cassette tape
Video Cassette Tape
Image of an airplane navigation panel
Airplane Navigational Panel

Do you know how your life might be different without these? What do you think magnetism has to do with each of these things? Think about these questions as you explore these materials on magnetism. 

Review:

  1. Many technologies we encounter in our daily lives are dependent on magnetism.