Magnetism and Static Electricity

Magnetism and static electricity are not the same, but they are related, for magnets can produce electricity, and electricity can induce magnetism.

Magnetism is a mysterious force? The nature of which is not completely understood. There appears to be some connection between the spinning electrons of certain atoms and their magnetic properties. We do know how to make magnets and also how we can cause a piece of steel to loose its magnetism. We know that the earth itself acts as though it were a huge magnet, with north and south magnetic poles located a few hundred miles distant from the geographic poles. Compasses point to these magnetic poles and enable us to travel over land and water with confidence. Static electricity has been observed for more than 2500 years. It is employed for anything more than a laboratory curiosity. Radio condensers and dust removing equipment represent practical applications of man’s knowledge of static electricity.