Magnets & Static Electricity

A magnet is an object that can attract certain metals like iron and produce a magnetic field.

A magnetic field is the area around a magnet where magnetic forces can be felt.

An electromagnet is a type of magnet that is created by electric current flowing through a wire.

Magnets can attract materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Static electricity is the build-up of electric charge on the surface of objects.

Rubbing a balloon on your hair transfers electrons, giving the balloon a negative charge.

The Van de Graaff generator is a machine that produces static electricity and can make your hair stand up.

A neodymium magnet is a very strong type of permanent magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron.

A permanent magnet always has a magnetic field, while an electromagnet's magnetic field can be turned on and off with electricity.

A battery provides the electric current needed to create a magnetic field in an electromagnet.