Compass

A compass uses a magnet to direct its needle to the north pole. This is why magnets are said to have a north and south pole. The side that is attracted and points to the north is called the north pole, while the other end is the south pole.

Mag-Lev Trains

Magnetically levitated trains, known as mag-lev trains, use magnets under the train to float above the magnetic tracks because the magnets are repelling each other. These types of trains use superconducting magnets and can travel up to 300 miles per hour. Mag-lev trains are used in countries such as Japan and some parts of Germany.

Holding Things

One of the most common uses of magnets is to hold things together. Paper shopping lists and your book report can be held up on refrigerator doors with fridge magnets. The magnets stick the paper to the door with its attraction to the metal in the door. Also, the actual refrigerator doors stay closed because of magnets in the door frames.

Magnetic Cranes

Scrap yards and recycling plants use giant electro magnets to lift the heavy weight of scrap metal and cars into crushers.

Electric Motors

Magnets are responsible for making electric motors and generators work. Moving a metal wire near a magnet produces electricity. Electric generators use steam, flowing water or another source of energy to spin wires through a magnetic field and create electricity. Every time you turn on a light or watch television, you can thank magnets for helping produce electricity.

​​​​​​​What other items use Magnets?