Magnets have many important uses in everyday life. They are used in compasses to direct the needle to magnetic north. Trains called maglev trains use powerful electromagnets to float above the track and propel the train at over 300 miles per hour. Inside vending machines, magnets help sort real coins from fakes by detecting metal composition. Magnets are also commonly used to hold objects like photos on refrigerators and to keep refrigerator doors closed. Electric motors and generators function using magnets to create motion and generate electricity through magnetic fields.

1. Are Magnets
Useful?
Created by Cathy Newton

2. Introduction
Without magnets, the world would be a different place.
Magnets are materials with a magnetic force or field
that can attract or repel objects. To investigate more
into the importance of magnets in everyday life, let’s
study five common uses of magnets, such as in a
compass, for trains, in vending machines, for holding
up objects and for electric motors.

3. Compass
A compass uses a magnet to direct its needle to the
north pole. This is why magnets are said to have a
north and south pole. The side that is attracted and
points to the north is called the north pole, while the
other end is the south pole. By locating where north is
you can easily determine the other three directions;
south, west and east.

4. Trains
Maglev trains use powerful electromagnets under the
cars to float above a track or guideway by creating a
magnetic field between the train and the guideway. The
magnetic field created by the electrified coils in the
guideway walls and the track combine to propel the
train. These experimental trains can travel over 300
miles per hour and are being developed in countries
such as Japan and Germany.

5. Vending Machines
Inside vending machines there are magnets that help
separate and sort real coins from fake ones. These
magnets can sort out metal disks or slugs from the real
coin money. Also, paper money and checks have
magnetic dust in their ink. So, vending machines and
currency counters check the money for its magnetism.

6. Holding up objects
One of the most common uses of magnets is to hold
things together. Refrigerator magnets hold paper and
photos up on the refrigerator doors. The magnets stick
the paper to the door with its attraction to the metal in
the door. Magnets in the door frame also help the
actual refrigerator doors stay closed keeping the food
inside fresh.

7. Electric Motors
Magnets are used for making electric motors and
generators work. A motor uses magnets to create
motion. By placing a metal wire near a magnet, it
produces electricity. The magnetic field inside the wire
moves to create the electricity. Many things around
your house use electric motors with magnets in them.
You can find them in toys, blenders, fans, hair dryers,
washing machines, motorized toothbrushes and
razors.