Magnetism is one of the most important forces in the universe. It is responsible for the Sun’s heat and light, and it drives the Earth’s climate. Magnetism also creates beautiful auroras, and it can be harnessed to generate electricity.
All matter is made up of atoms, which are tiny particles that are constantly moving. Atoms contain electrons, which are even smaller particles that orbit the atom’s nucleus. Electrons have a negative charge, while protons have a positive charge. When electrons spin around an atom’s nucleus in opposite directions, they create a magnetic field.
The strength of an atom’s magnetic field depends on how many unpaired electrons it has orbiting its nucleus. The more unpaired electrons an atom has, the stronger its magnetic field will be.