Natural and Artificial Magnets
Natural magnets like the lodestone do not have very strong attractive or directive properties. Also, it is not convenient to use because it occurs in odd shapes. But when a piece of steel is stroked (in one direction only) with lodestone, the magnetic properties are developed stronger in it.
However, if a piece of iron is rubbed with lodestone, the iron acquires properties of the lodestone. I.e. The iron gets magnetized. This piece of iron is called an artificial magnet. Magnets of different shaped can be made in order to suit a specific purpose.
Permanent and Temporary Magnets
Permanent Magnets:
Certain types of iron, once magnetized retain their magnetism. Such magnets are called permanent magnets. Most permanent magnets are made up of steel or mixtures of iron, nickel their magnetism. When a permanent magnet picks up a piece of iron or steel, the nail becomes a temporary magnet.
Temporary Magnets:
The nail can pick up other bits of metal and will be attracted or repelled by the poles of another magnet. However, the nail will keep its magnetism only so long as it is near a permanent magnet. If the permanent magnet is removed, the nail loses its magnetic properties.
Magnetic Levitation-Opposing the Force of Magnetism
Magnetic levitation (Maglev) is a way of lifting objects by using the forces that keep magnets apart. This technique to make trains float above their tracks. The trains carry powerful linear motors which push against magnets laid in the special track. The magnets in the track first attract the train, pulling it forwards. When it has passed, the direction of their magnetic fields is reversed, repelling the train and pushing it forwards even faster.
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