Magnets and the magnetic field

Bodies that attract iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are called magnets; the natural magnet is the ore magnetite. The places where a magnet’s attraction is strongest are its poles: north (N) and south (S). Like poles repel and unlike poles attract. If we cut a magnet into pieces, each piece again has both poles: the poles cannot be separated. The English scientist Gilbert studied the properties of magnets systematically in 1600. A piece of iron can be magnetised by rubbing it with a magnet or placing it in a strong magnetic field. If a magnet is heated or hit, its properties weaken. Do not put small magnets into your mouth and keep them away from phones and bank cards; swallowing them is dangerous — tell an adult.