Magnetic Force Collection

A diagram showing the lines of magnetic force. The bar magnet is placed on a table covered with a piece of card
5311308 A diagram showing the lines of magnetic force. The bar magnet is placed on a table covered with a piece of card: iron filings are shaken on to the card

A woodcut engraving depicting perpetual motion by magnetism. A is a spherical magnet with its poles on either side
5311359 A woodcut engraving depicting perpetual motion by magnetism. A is a spherical magnet with its poles on either side. A piece of iron lies at D and is attracted up the slide C B to E

A diagram showing the lines of magnetic force demonstrated by using two magnets and iron filings, 19th century
5311306 A diagram showing the lines of magnetic force demonstrated by using two magnets and iron filings, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1890); Universal History Archive/UIG

A diagram showing the lines of magnetic force demonstrated by using two magnets and iron filings, 19th century
5311303 A diagram showing the lines of magnetic force demonstrated by using two magnets and iron filings, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1890); Universal History Archive/UIG

Diagram showing The magnetic force of the Earth
5309964 Diagram showing The magnetic force of the Earth; (add.info.: Diagram showing The magnetic force of the Earth, operating along an infinity of curves starting from every point of the equator)

Bar magnet attracting metal filings

Coins attracted by horseshoe magnet

Horseshoe magnet attracting metal filings

Hand holding magnet, picking up metal filings

Metal filings attached to magnets (charges of the same type, repelling)

Hand holding magnet with push pins attached at the bottom

Horseshoe magnet attracting metal screws

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Discover the fascinating world of magnetic forces as we explore how a simple bar magnet can attract metal filings, just like in our childhood science experiments. Magnets have an irresistible pull on various metals, from coins to screws, showcased beautifully by horseshoe magnets. But it's not just about attraction; magnets with like charges repel each other, as demonstrated by hand-held magnets with push pins. Delve deeper into the magnetic universe, where solar activity generates powerful magnetic fields, as captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory in ultraviolet images. British physicist Lord Kelvin once said, "I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind." Let's continue to measure and learn more about magnetic forces and their incredible impact on our world.