What are some examples of magnetic energy?

Some examples of magnetic energy are a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, machine, a compass, the Earth's magnetic field and the starter in a car. Maxwell's equations relates magnetic energy to electric energy. These equations describe how magnetic and electric fields are generated and altered by each other.

In electric energy, when electrons move through the wire, they create a magnetic field. If that electric wire is wrapped around a piece of iron, that magnetic field causes the iron to become magnetized. This is the reason that magnetic energy and electric energy are so closely related. Because of this, many everyday things contain magnetic energy.

• MRI machine - An MRI uses a huge, superconducting magnet to make and process images of organs and other structures inside the body.
• Compass - A compass has a tiny magnet, which makes the compass point north. The end of the magnet is attracted to the magnetic pull of the Earth's north pole.
• Earth's magnetic field - The Earth has a magnetic north pole as well as a magnetic south pole. It can be compared to a bar magnet, extending from north to south, that is tilted approximately 11 degrees.
• Car's starter - The starter in a car can also be called a solenoid. A solenoid is an electromagnet that pushes and pulls a metal object or plunger. As the key starts the car, the solenoid pushes the starter's gears to start the engine.