A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagneti
A magnetite rock is being pulled by a neodymium magnet on top.
Hard disk drives record data on a thin magnetic coating
Magnetic hand separator for heavy minerals
Magnets have many uses in toys. M-tic uses magnetic rods connected to metal spheres for construction.
Alnico is a family of iron alloys which, in addition to iron, are composed primarily of aluminium, nickel, and cobalt, hence the acronym al-ni-co. They also include copper, and sometimes titanium. Aln
A "horseshoe magnet" made of Alnico 5, about 1 inch high. The metal bar (bottom) is a keeper, which is placed across the poles when the magnet is not in use. This helps to preserve the magnetization.
Alnico 5 magnet used in a magnetron tube in an early microwave oven. About 3 in (8 cm) long.
Advertisement by Jensen Radio Manufacturing Co. for Alnico 5 loudspeakers in 1945. As illustrated, Alnico 5 allowed a dramatic reduction in size and weight of magnet needed to produce a given flux, from 90 oz in 1930 to 4.6 oz.
Assortment of alnico magnets in 1956. Alnico 5, developed during World War 2, led to a new generation of compact permanent magnet motors and loudspeakers.