How do permanent magnets work?
Permanent magnets work because of the alignment of their atoms. Inside a permanent magnet, the atoms are organized in a way that creates a magnetic field. Each atom acts like a tiny magnet, with a north pole and a south pole. These tiny magnets all line up in the same direction, reinforcing each other's magnetic fields. This alignment creates a strong and steady magnetic force. When you bring a permanent magnet close to a material like iron or steel, which has its own magnetic properties, the magnet's field influences the atoms in the material. It makes them align with the magnet's field, creating an attraction between the two. This is why a permanent magnet can pick up metal objects and hold them in place. It's a bit like a magic force that pulls things towards the magnet!