Magnetic fields, electric motors and electric generators

A magnetic field is the area around a magnet that has magnetic force. All magnets have a magnetic field, no matter how big they are. 

Things that are attracted to magnets are called magnetic objects. All magnetic objects are made of metal, but not all metals are magnetic. The main metals that are attracted by magnets are iron, cobalt and nickel. You can turn one of these metals into a magnet by rubbing it with a magnet!

The Earth Is a Magnet

Magnetism is at work all around you. Almost everything that uses electricity or runs with a motor has magnets in it. The magnetic force helps your car run, your microwave cook and your computer work. Even the Earth we live on is a giant magnet!

Earth is a huge magnet

The middle of our planet is made of two metals called iron and nickel. Both metals are attracted to magnets. These special metals can also become magnets. Our planet is always turning around in space, and Earth's metal core is turning, too. These movements make a magnetic force that surrounds the Earth called a magnetic field.

The electrical generator uses movement to produce electricity using magnets.