Magnetic field Magnets work on the basis of magnetic fields. (more) How Do Magnets Work? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/How-Do-Magnets-Work Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Apr 8, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot The fundamental principle behind magnetism is the magnetic field, which arises from the motion of electric charges. This field exerts forces on other magnetic objects and moving charges, causing attraction or repulsion. For instance, Earth’s magnetic field causes compass needles to line up in direction of the field. Magnetic fields may be represented by continuous lines of force or magnetic flux that emerge from north-seeking magnetic poles and enter south-seeking magnetic poles. A magnet is any material that can produce a magnetic field outside of itself. Different materials exhibit varying degrees of magnetism. Most materials are diamagnetic, which means they ...(100 of 224 words)

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