Magnets A magnet is any material which can attract iron and produces a force called a magnetic field. Each end of the magnet, where the magnetic field is the strongest, is known as a pole. There is a north pole and a south pole. Electrically charged particles exit from the north pole, move in a circular or helical path, and re-enter through the south pole. The ends of two like poles will repel or push away from each other.
Magnetism has many different medical uses.
Devices called magnetic resonance imaging scanners or MRIs create images by measuring radio waves given in response to pulses of magnetic energy directed at the body. Pulsed electromagnetic fields have been shown to increase healing rates of slow-healing broken bones. Other medical uses of magnets are under investigation. There is some evidence that magnets may be useful in controlling pain. The magnetic energy field is believed to block the pain signals from the nerves.