What I learned
❖ A magnet is a body that creates an invisible magnetic field around itself and exerts a magnetic force on other magnetised materials. In addition to attracting objects containing iron, magnets interact with magnetic forces between themselves.
❖ Opposite magnetic poles attract, and identical poles repel. The north pole of one magnet is attracted to the south pole of another magnet.
❖ An electromagnet is a device that consists of a wire coil with an iron core and creates a magnetic field if an electric current is passed into its coil. It is widely used in industry, medicine, transportation, and households.
❖ Magnetic induction lines are imaginary curves that help us imagine the strength and direction of a magnetic field in space.
❖ The magnet in a compass is a thin arrow of magnetized iron or steel that rotates freely about a vertical axis on a sharp point. It is aligned along the lines of the force of the earth’s magnetic field. Through it, we can orient ourselves in space at any moment and determine directions – north, south, east, west.
❖ The magnetic and geographic poles of the Earth do not coincide.
❖ Planet Earth is actually a giant natural magnet that has enormous significance for our lives. As well as acting as a shield against the harmful effects of the solar wind, the Earth’s magnetic field is used for orientation and navigation by animals, birds and some species of fish. Without it, many of the technologies used in our everyday lives would not be possible, including modern navigation systems and the well-known compasses.
Further research into the impact of this invisible magnetic field on people is essential for their health and lifestyle. For example, geomagnetic storms can cause disruptions in communication and electricity networks, in navigation, and can cause health problems, especially for people with cardiovascular disease.
Scientists are also working on hypotheses related to a possible weakening of the Earth’s magnetic field. They predict some possible consequences, such as:
- increasing radiation from space, which will cause more intense and frequent solar storms;
- failures of satellites, electronic devices and other communication devices;
- climate change and ozone depletion;
- loss of biodiversity and changes in the planet’s ecosystems;
- reversal of magnetic poles.
However, it is not proven that all this can happen. Even if it were likely, the process is very slow and would take thousands of years. But knowledge in this area will enable mankind to adapt to changing living conditions, to develop adequate technologies to protect itself and to cope with the potentially vital consequences.
Magnetism research continues today. Efforts are focused on developing more efficient electromagnetic devices and new materials with magnetic properties, advancing technology and increasing our understanding of the universe.
