Magnetism is a result of electrons spinning on their own axis around the nucleus (Figure 18).

Figure 18 Electron Spinning Around Nucleus Produces Magnetic Field

In magnetic materials, the atoms have certain areas called domains. These domains are aligned such that their electrons tend to spin in the same direction (Figure 19).

Figure 19 Magnetic Domains

The alignment of these domains results in the formation of magnetic poles at each end of the magnet. These poles are called the north pole and the south pole. The law of magnetism states that like magnetic poles repel and unlike magnetic poles attract one another (Figure 20).

Figure 20 The Law of Magnetic Attraction and Repulsion