Final answer:
Magnetism refers to the force exerted by magnetic objects through their surrounding magnetic fields, affecting other magnetic objects over a distance. It is intimately related to electric currents, especially those in ferromagnetic materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Introduction to Magnetism
Magnetism is a force exerted by certain objects known as magnetic objects. These objects are capable of exerting this force on each other without physical contact, thanks to a magnetic field surrounding them. This field diminishes in strength as the distance from the object increases. At its core, magnetism is the result of electric currents at a microscopic level, including those within atoms of ferromagnetic materials like iron. Knowledge of magnetism has led to numerous technological advancements and is an integral part of modern life, from holding a note on a refrigerator with a magnet to the functionality of electronic devices like an iPod.
Properties of Magnetic Fields and Poles
Magnetic objects have magnetic poles: north magnetic poles and south magnetic poles. These poles generate force, with like poles repelling each other and unlike poles attracting. It is essential to understand that these magnetic poles always occur in pairs; it's not possible to have a north pole without a south pole, and vice versa.
Magnetism is closely related to electricity, as both involve the movement of electric charges. Despite this connection, magnetism specifically describes the phenomena and effects relating to magnets and their fields, whereas electricity focuses more broadly on the behavior of electric charges in various contexts.