What are magnets used for?

Magnets What are some uses of magnets? Magnets are used to make electric motors and generators. We use these electric motors and generators in: telephones, lights, electric heat, television and computers. Some items that use electromagnets are: car crushers, scrap metal sorters, Maglev trains, computers, doorbells, tape recorders, telephones, etc.

Maglev Trains Maglev trains use super conducting magnets in the track and on the underside of the train to “float” above the track. Maglev trains use magnetic repulsion. Maglev trains can travel very fast, up to 480 km/h (300 mph). For more information -

Separating materials Sometimes magnets are used to sort magnetic and non-magnetic materials. Examples of magnets being used as separators are: Metals separated from ore Food manufactures us magnets to keep small metal filings from machinery from getting into food.

At home We use magnets to hold things up or to pick up small things:: sewing pins electric can openers Magnets can hold things to the refrigerator.

Compasses Magnets are also used in compasses to show attraction and repulsion. Magnetized compasses are used to detect underground metal pipes. A magnetic compass helps us in direction finding. Compasses always points towards the magnetic north pole