Magnets

Magnets have a strange power. They attract things of iron or steel. They seem to work like magic.


Hold a magnet near a pin, but not touching it. The pin jumps to the magnet and clings to it. Even when you lift the magnet, the pin hangs on. Try a nail. The same thing happens. We say the magnet attracts the steel pin or the iron nail.


Magnets are made in hundreds of shapes and sizes. The kind we see most often is shaped like a horseshoe. As you might guess, it is called a horseshoe magnet. You can buy one in a hardware store or in a toy shop.


Magnets make interesting toys. But they do a great deal of work in houses and offices and factories. They make telephones work and doorbells ring. They pick up huge pieces of iron and steel. They even help to make electricity.