Uses of Magnets

In my continued study of natural health, I was very surprised to find that some of the uses of magnets actually fall into the realm of health.  Magnetic therapy claims to give positive health benefits to its patients by exposing certain areas of their bodies to magnetic fields.  It's not unlike LED light therapy which directs a portion of the light spectrum into certain areas of the patient's body, promoting positive health benefits as well.  There are many uses for magnets and magnetism in our modern culture, and in many ways, magnetic fields in general are looking to be the way of the future.  Some magnets are very powerful and generate broad magnetic fields.  Others are very small and fit in the palm of your hand.

Here are some specific uses of magnets.

1. Magnetic Bracelets

• Proponents of magnetic therapy have come up with a way to always be in contact with a magnetic field. They claim that close proximity with magnetic fields increase health, energy, and vitality, and also things like blood flow and organ function. Many products are now sold that have magnets as their central purpose and the magnetic bracelet is the most common. Opponents to magnetic therapy claim that things like magnetic bracelets only work under the placebo effect, that the users claim to feel more energy and vitality because they're expecting too.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI

• Arguably the most helpful use of magnets in modern society, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is the process of using a powerful magnetic field to align nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in water. In basic terms, it shows a very clear difference between soft tissue, which is mostly made up of water, and other tissues in the body, such as bone. Radio frequencies are also used systematically in order to help paint a clear picture of the body's internal structure. MRIs are great because unlike CT scans, they don't use radioactive components, and they also paint a much clearer picture.

3. Electromagnetism

• Probably the coolest use of magnets and magnetism is electromagnetic technology. What makes an electromagnet different from a regular magnet? An electromagnet is a magnet whose magnetic field is generated by the flow of an electric current. Even a simple wire that has electricity passing through it generates a magnetic field. Electromagnets are amazing because they have the ability to propel metal objects at an amazing velocity. I once worked at a company the worked with electromagnetic guns. One of the lead engineers wanted to build an electromagnetic delivery system that could send barrels of heavily toxic waste such as radioactive waste from nuclear power plants into outer space. They had already built a gun that achieved escape velocity, meaning that it could shoot objects fast enough that they would escape Earth's gravity and fly off into outer space. Sounds like science fiction, but one day it might become a reality.

4. Anti-gravity

• Though no one has yet invented an anti-gravity machine, scientists are using the opposing pulls of magnets to push metal objects up from the ground and suspend them in midair. This has fascinating and exciting possibilities, train cars for weightless travel being the most utilized. Did you know that the maximum recorded speed of a magnetically levitated train is 581 kilometers per hour (361 mph). That's pretty fast!

5. Electric Motors, and Generators

• Thinking of building an electric motor or a generator? You'll need a magnet. By moving a conductor through a magnetic field, you can create electric energy, like in a generator. Generators use fuel to create physical energy that gets converted to electric energy, by moving the conductor through a magnetic field. In motors, the process is the opposite. They take electric energy and convert it into physical energy. Generators have also been experimenting much in modern days with using magnetism in order to levitate the spinning components of the generator, thereby reducing friction and increasing energy output.

6. Experiments and Trinkets

• A lot of interesting experiments and desktop trinkets are being made that show the interaction between magnetic fields, or simply levitate objects. Among my favorites is the magnetic levitating stand pictured to the right. Utilizing opposing magnetic fields, you can cause objects to float weightlessly on your desk. Pretty neat trick. If we can levitate whole trains, levitating a picture frame shouldn't be too much of a trick.

7. In the Yard

• In having done many construction projects, having a wide walk behind magnet on wheels to pick up loose nails and screws is essential. It was a lot of fun using this powerful magnet because it would even pick up the tiny flecks of iron dust laying on the ground.

Magnetic fields are amazing. Mankind has always relied on them. Since the beginning of time we've needed the natural magnetic field generated by the Earth's core in order to ward off dangerous solar radiation. A little known fact is that the Earth's magnetic field is what causes the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. The magnetic core of the Earth draws solar radiation toward the north and south poles, causing them to dance along the Earth's atmosphere, creating a variety of beautiful colors and effects. An otherwise very dangerous level of radiation is transformed into a beautiful light display by the Earth's core. The reason it only happens every so often is because it only shows up during intense showerings of solar radiation from the sun, like solar flares. Hopefully after reading this article, you have a greater appreciation for magnetic fields and for the many amazing uses of magnets. Thanks very much for reading!

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