Wonder Of The Earth: Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets are a type of rare earth magnet

. This mean they are created using rare earth elements. People may assume that these elements are mysterious metals rarely found on our planet. However, the term refers to the variety of materials used. They are not necessarily rare or secretive. In fact, they are as common in the earth as lead.

Magnets are a scientific wonder that fascinate both children and adults. Neodymium magnets are currently the strongest of all known magnets. They are made with a combination of alloys from neodymium, iron, and boron. The result is a crystal structure with a very strong amount of magnetic energy. However, they are also brittle and splinter easily. Manufacturers fix this problem by simply adding a coating to the magnets. The most common method is to apply a protective layer of nickel plating.

The first rare earth magnets were developed for use in the automotive industry. We still use these magnets in our current technologies. Neodymium magnets are used in particular because their strength allows them to be used in smaller and lighter technologies. Without neodymium magnets, many of electronics and tools we have come to depend on today would not exist, as we know them. Computer hard drives use these magnets to store digital data. They are also used in speakers and headphones. A variety of motors also depends on permanent magnets, such as cordless tools, compressors, and power steering.

These strong magnets also have use in some of our most advanced technology. As our society strives for vehicles with less environmental impact, magnets have found their way into electric and hybrid cars. Neodymium magnets are used in the drive motors for these vehicles.

Magnets also have an application for children. Neodymium magnet toys have been developed. This allows children to be educated and amazed at the power of magnets. Children can use the magnets to build towers out of blocks. There are also magnetic balls that can be sculpted into different three-dimensional shapes and designs.

Another surprising place to find these magnets is in jewelry. Magnetic necklaces and bracelets are believed to heal a number of ailments. People use them to relieve pain associated with arthritis. Some even believe they can ward off psychological problems like depression. The magnets are able to be shaped into small beads, which can then be strung into bracelets, necklaces, and anklets.

There are some safety concerns about some of the rare earth magnets. Their strength is enough to pinch skin and body parts. If caught between two magnets or a magnet and metal, the pressure can be enough to break bones. If swallowed, the magnets can be harmful to the intestinal tract. They can create folds in the intestines, causing injury and possibly death. While the magnets have great strength when it comes to magnetic energy, they are actually quite brittle. The magnets can strike one another hard enough to break. The shards of the magnets can splinter apart and impale the skin. Despite these hazards, magnets give us many of the technologies we need. Many lives are saved with the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Without magnets, we would live in a very different world.

Neodymium magnets are created from the alloys of the earth. They are used in our most advanced technologies, as well as toys for children. Discover the amazing world of magnets!

by: Marie Winston

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