Magnetic attraction (mæɡˈnɛtɪk əˈtrækʃən) refers to the force that magnetic fields exert on each other. In this phrase, the spelling of "magnetic" is fairly straightforward, with the stress on the first syllable and the common "-ic" suffix. "Attraction," however, has a slightly irregular spelling due to its roots in Latin. The stress falls on the second syllable, rather than the first, and the "-tion" suffix is used to indicate a noun form of the verb "attract."
Magnetic attraction refers to the force by which magnets or magnetic objects are drawn towards each other. It is a fundamental aspect of magnetism, which is the property of certain materials to exert attractive or repulsive forces on other objects. This attraction is primarily caused by the presence of magnetic fields surrounding magnets or magnetic objects.
The properties of magnetic attraction can be observed in various scenarios and applications. For example, when two magnets are brought close to each other, they tend to align and pull towards one another due to the magnetic force of attraction. Similarly, magnetic materials like iron or steel can be attracted to magnets due to their natural magnetic properties.
The strength of magnetic attraction depends on multiple factors. Firstly, it relies on the strength or intensity of the magnetic field. The stronger the magnetic field, the greater the attractive force between magnets. Additionally, the distance between the magnets also affects the level of attraction. As the distance increases, the force of attraction decreases.
Magnetic attraction plays a crucial role in various technological devices. It is used in applications such as electric motors, generators, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, among others. These devices utilize the interaction of magnetic fields to generate motion, electricity, or medical images.
Overall, magnetic attraction is the force that brings magnets and magnetic objects together. It is a key principle of magnetism and finds applications in numerous fields, contributing to advancements in technology and scientific research.
The force which draws iron or steel toward a magnet.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "magnetic" originated from the New Latin term "magneticus", which was derived from the Greek word "magnētis lithos" or "magnēs lithos". "Magnētis" was used to describe the region of Magnesia in Thessaly, Greece, renowned for its mineral deposits that possessed magnetic properties. The Greek word "magnēs" referred to both the people living in that region and the stone specific to that area, eventually leading to the word "magnet" in English. "Attraction", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "attractio", which meant "a drawing toward". When combined, "magnetic attraction" refers to the force of magnetism that pulls objects or substances towards one another.