Magnetism

Your eyes have a certain magnetism.

An electric current can generate magnetism.

Magnetism is the science of the properties of magnets.

The discovery that electric currents can be produced by magnetism is extremely important in the field of electricity.

She is surrounded by an aura of powerful magnetism.

Until then, electricity and magnetism had been thought of as unrelated phenomena.

Gradually, as the magnetic flux (a measurement of the quantity of magnetism) that comes up with the sunspots moves pole-ward it erodes the existing polar fields and replaces them with magnetic fields that have the opposite polarity.

Until several decades ago, the physical sciences were considered to have had their origins in the 17th century—mechanics beginning with men like Galileo Galilei and magnetism with men like the Elizabethan physician and scientist William Gilbert. Historians of science, however, have traced many of the 17th century's concepts of mechanics back into the Middle Ages. Here, Gilbert's explanation of the loadstone and its powers is compared with explanations to be found in the Middle Ages and earlier. From this comparison it appears that Gilbert can best be understood by considering him not so much a herald of the new science as a modifier of the old.

When science is boring or hard to learn, people shy away from it. That's why many U.S. universities sponsor road shows staffed with educators who try to make science fun. One of the largest and best-known outreach programs is The Little Shop of Physics at Colorado State University. Founded by CSU Physics professor Brian Jones in 1991, this toyshop for scientists produces gadgets and gizmos that turn concepts like magnetism and osmosis into something kids can actually get their hands on.

Earth is surrounded by a magnetosphere — an invisible bubble of magnetism generated by the powerful churning of molten metals at Earth’s core.