How do different types of magnets actually work?

Magnets work by having tiny invisible helpers that push and pull things around them.

Imagine you have a bag full of little matchsticks. Each one can either point up or down. In a magnet, these tiny matchsticks line up in the same direction, like a team working together. That’s why magnets can pull metal objects toward them, like when you stick a fridge magnet on your fridge!

Permanent magnets, like the ones on your fridge, have their little matchsticks lined up forever. They don’t need any help to stay strong.

Electromagnets, like the ones in a toy crane, use electricity. When you turn on the power, it makes the tiny matchsticks line up, but only while the power is on. Once you turn it off, they go back to being messy again!

So whether your magnet is always ready or needs a little help from electricity, it’s all about those tiny matchsticks working together!