Definition: A magnet is an object or material that produces a magnetic field, attracting ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnets can be natural or artificially made and are used in various applications involving magnetic force.
## Overview
Magnets generate a magnetic field, an invisible force that attracts certain metals. They are classified as permanent magnets, which maintain their magnetic properties, or temporary magnets, which act magnetically only when exposed to a magnetic field.
## Types of Magnets
Permanent magnets include materials like neodymium and ferrite, while electromagnets rely on electric current to produce magnetism. Natural magnets, such as lodestones, are naturally magnetized minerals.
## Applications
Magnets are widely used in electric motors, generators, magnetic storage media, and various electronic devices. They also play a crucial role in scientific instruments and medical technologies like MRI machines.