For a long time, scientists thought that electric force and magnetic force were two different kinds of force. Then in the 1800s, it was discovered that if one held an electric current over the needle of a compass, the magnetic force could be changed. It was also discovered that electric currents have magnetic fields around them. The discovery that magnetism and electricity were closely related forces opened the way to the invention of the electric motor. The motors used to run many of the simple household appliances in your home use electricity to create magnetic fields which make the appliance run.You have learned that atoms act as tiny magnets because of the rotation of the electrons around the atom. You also learned that when the atoms line up together, the magnetic fields of the atoms also line up and the material is magnetic. Electricity flowing in a wire can also make a magnet.
Electricty and magnets
How does electricity make small appliances in your house operate?
The electricity creates magnetic fields.
