Magnetism is the force of attraction exercised by bodies such as magnets, in a region of space known as the magnetic field. There are bodies on its composition have magnetic properties (such as magnetite stone) and are called natural magnets. But there are other, known as artificial magnets, which acquire these properties by rubbing with another magnet, or by receiving an electric current (such as certain wires coiled in a spiral). The magnets have two poles, one negative and one positive. If two bodies face magnet, poles repel and opposites attract. The magnetism can be transmitted from one object to another, a phenomenon known as magnetism. Furthermore, in some cases, the magnets are capable of inducing electric currents.
The poles repel: when facing like poles, the magnetic field tends to separate and the magnetic attraction is so weak that a space appears neutral.
Opposites attract: to unite, the field that forms between them is very strong.
The magnetic field is the sphere of influence of a magnet. The shape of the magnetic field was studied by Michael Faraday, who sprinkled iron filings on a glass placed over a magnet. These filings are arranged in rows that radiate from each pole of the magnet. These lines are called lines of force and indicate the direction of the combined forces of the two poles.
The Earth is a kind of giant magnet. Their magnetic poles, which are close to the geographical influence on the compass, since it consists basically of a magnetized water, supported in its center of gravity.