Forces and Magnets

A force is a push or a pull acting on an object. Forces can make things speed up, slow down, change direction or change shape. Common forces include gravity (which pulls everything towards the Earth), friction (which opposes movement between surfaces), and air resistance (which slows moving objects down). Magnets are fascinating objects that exert a non-contact force — they can push or pull without touching. Every magnet has two poles: a north pole and a south pole. The rule is: opposite poles attract, and like poles repel. Magnets only attract magnetic materials, which include iron, steel, nickel and cobalt. Many everyday objects use magnets: fridge doors, speakers, electric motors and compasses all rely on magnetic force. The strength of a magnet’s force is greatest at its poles and decreases with distance.