woodchurch science

a question from rowan sullivan in year 7. explaining magnetism is not easy but I’ll have a go. in unit 8j you will learn that electricity can produce a magnetic field. substances like iron oxide (magnetite) are members of a group of compounds that have the standard formula A(B)2O4. the A and B represent different metal ions that occupy specific sites in the crystal structure. in the case of magnetite, Fe3O4, the A metal is Fe +2 and the B metal is Fe +3; that’s two different metal ions in two specific sites. this arrangement causes a transfer of electrons between the different irons (ions!) in the structure. this movement of electrons generates the magnetic field.
that more or less explains it but some people have devoted their entire lives and careers to explaining the many types of magnetism. i would recommend you read this page (but only if you are having difficulty sleeping).

when cows are munching on grass they occasionally pick up bits of metal from fencing, staples, nails, bits of bailing wire etc. so to stop any damage to their digestive system (so-called ‘hardware disease’) some kind farmers make their cows eat cow magnets which sit in their stomachs (the reticulum specifically) for the entire life of the cow attracting any old bits of metal. they are available to buy here.