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Book 21, Question 23 · Video

Why Do Two Magnets Pushing Apart Feel Like Pressing on a Springy Cushion?

Video · 1:51 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 21

Push two magnets together with matching poles facing, and something strange happens. It feels like you are pressing on a springy cushion, even though nothing is touching!

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do two magnets pushing apart feel like pressing on a springy cushion?

The Big Idea

Push two magnets together with matching poles facing, and something strange happens. It feels like you are pressing on a springy cushion, even though nothing is touching! Let's find out why.

Fields Push Back

Step one: fields push back. When two matching poles face each other, their magnetic fields push against each other. The push is a real force, even though the magnets are not touching.

The Push Gets Stronger

Step two: the push gets stronger. As you squeeze the magnets closer together, the push grows stronger. Your hand can feel that push right through the empty space between them.

Like a Spring

Step three: it feels like a spring. You feel the same kind of springy push from a spring that is being squeezed. The force is real, even though there is nothing in between.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Two matching poles face each other. Their fields push against each other. The closer they get, the harder the push. It feels just like a springy cushion.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some trains use repelling magnets to float above the track. The push feels like a springy cushion. The closer you squeeze, the harder it pushes back. And nothing is touching at all.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Gently try to push two toy magnets together with matching poles facing. Describe what you feel in three words. Now flip one magnet over. Try again and compare. Then tell a friend what you found out.

Outro

Matching magnet poles push back with a real force that feels like a springy cushion. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this