Magnets have several useful functions. Based on experience with household magnets, most people know that magnets attract materials, including iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel. Many people also know that magnets attract magnets at opposite poles and repel magnets at like poles. But magnets do much more.
Magnets effect electrically charged particles and electrical conductors. Magnets have the ability transform electrical energy without losing their own energy. These effects can perform useful functions, for example:
- Electrical-to-mechanical effects are key in the function of motors, loudspeakers, and equipment that requires charged particle deflection.
- Mechanical-to-electrical effects are useful in generators and microphones.
- Mechanical-to-heat effects facilitate eddy current and hysteresis torque devices.
- Mechanical-to-mechanical effects attract or repulse objects.
- Other effects of magnets include magneto-resistance and magnetic resonance.