What is magnetism and how is it related to electricity?

Magnetism is a fundamental force of nature that is caused by the movement of electric charges. All materials are made up of tiny particles called atoms, which are composed of even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. When electrons move, they create a magnetic field that can be detected by a compass or a magnetometer.

The relationship between magnetism and electricity is known as electromagnetism. This relationship was first discovered by the physicist Hans Christian Oersted in 1820. Oersted observed that a current-carrying wire caused a nearby magnetic needle to move. This led to the development of the first electromagnet.

Electromagnets are created by coiling a wire around a magnetic core and passing an electric current through it. This creates a magnetic field that can be turned on and off by controlling the flow of electricity. Electromagnets are used in a variety of devices, including electric motors, generators, and MRI machines.