A naturally occurring black coloured substance called lodestone can attract pieces of iron kept
nearby. In early days, the Greeks observed this property of lodestone, an oxide of iron called
magnetite (Fe3O4). This type of naturally occurring substance is called natural magnet. Magnets
are also made artificially in various shapesand sizes depending on their use. The common magnet
used is a bar magnet whereas horse shoe magnets and electromagnets are also widely used.
The branch of physics which deals with the study of magnets, their properties and
applications is called magnetism. Magnets are used extensively in televisions, computers,
compact disks, MRI scanning, electric motors, generators, etc. Many applications are based
on electric effect of magnets or magnetic effects of electric current
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