Question

Write the answer in your word.

What are the practical uses of a magnet?

Answer 1

Magnets have a very wide range of uses:

• Magnetic compass: With the help of a magnetic compass, you can know the directions at a particular place. The red end of the needle indicates the north direction. 

• Magnets in daily life: Magnets are used in refrigerator doors, as pin holders, in screwdrivers, etc.
• Magnet in junkyard: In the junkyard, you will see that a large magnet is attached at the bottom of the arm of a crane. The arm moves over a heap of junk and the magnet collects objects made of iron. The magnet used in a junkyard crane is not a natural or permanent magnet. It is a temporary magnet, which is called an electromagnet.
• Magnet in electrical appliances: Magnets are also used in many electrical appliances, such as electric bells, telephones, telegraphs, radios, loudspeakers, fans, electrical motors, electric generators, etc.
• Magnet for security: While going to some important places like temples, buildings, airports, etc., you will see equipment for inspection of people entering these places. These equipments use magnets and are known as metal detectors. These metal detectors are also used in the food processing industry to detect any unwanted iron/steel objects mixed unknowingly in food stuff.