How does a magnet work

Ummm, I mean what makes a + and - charge attract ? My sons homework (beyond me)

Unlike charges attract, like charges repel, basic law of nature.
This is in no way related to magnetism, although unlike poles attract, and like ones repel.
Magnetism is not understood.

What?!? Magnetism IS understood! It's tied in with...it's...how? Wha- But have you taken any physics? Have you read the WIKIPEDIA article?

Report Abuse

Well, a magnetic field is created when a charge moves. Understanding why this happens on a fundamental level takes some time to explain, but I don't think we need to get that in depth. Now, take the model of the atom that you are familiar with, with a nucleus that the electrons are zipping around. Electrons carry a negative charge, and they're moving in a circle around the nucleus, which means that a very small magnetic field is being produced! Unless there is an odd number of electrons zipping around the nucleus, though, the magnetic field of each individual electron will be canceled out!
If there is an odd number of electrons, though, we can think of each atom as having a small magnetic field.
In some substances, under the right circumstances, we can get a lot of these magnetic fields lined up in the same direction, and then the magnetic field of the material becomes strong enough for us to notice.

@ Kyle - I just got through answering the question "why do people correct spelling and grammar?" - one person agreed with me that it was indicative of a lack of general education when people cannot spell or use words correctly.

You meant ACCEPT - not except. And then you go on to suggest we remain ignorant - science is about understanding AND imagination.

magic my friend, magic

Just except the fact that it's there!!! Why must everyone question things!! Is there no imagination anymore!!!