Facts At Your Fingertips: Energy and forces – Magnets in action
We use magnets in many different ways. The motors inside many machines are driven by small magnets, while large magnets can power trains.
Compasses use Earth’s magnetism to show us the way.
Electric motors
This toy car is powered by an electric motor, which uses magnets to produce a spinning motion. Electric motors are found in many machines.
Washing machines and vacuum cleaners contain large motors, while the hands of a wristwatch are moved by tiny motors just a few millimeters wide.
Magnetic trains
A maglev train is moved by magnetism. Magnets under the train and on the track make the train hover up to nearly 1/2 in (10 mm) above the track.
The train does not have an engine, but is pushed forward by another set of magnets, and can reach speeds of up to 360 mph (580 kph).
Magnetic Earth
Earth is a giant magnet. It is surrounded by a magnetic field, which is produced by electric currents deep inside the planet’s molten metal core.
A compass works by sensing Earth’s magnetism. It contains a small magnetic needle, and the south pole of the needle points toward Earth’s magnetic north pole.