Interesting facts about magnets that you probably haven’t heard before
Magnets always have two poles
As we all know from physics class, a magnet always has two poles – north and south. But what happens if we cut the magnet in half lengthwise or crosswise? Both halves will have their own south and north poles.
Farmers have cows eat a magnet
Farmers have cows eat a magnet. This is a technique that they have been using for many years. A cow sometimes eats a nail or a piece of metal fencing. To prevent the destruction of her organs, cows are given a small magnet to swallow. Although it will remain in its stomach forever, it will protect them from the deadly effects of swallowed metal objects.
Some animals have their own compass
Have you ever wondered how swallows navigate to warm countries? Of course, they fly the shortest air route. But what drives them in that direction? Some kind of instinct? Scientists have come up with two possible theories.
The first theory talks about the protein cryptochrome, which is found in the bird’s eye. Thanks to cryptochrome, birds can see the earth’s magnetic fields. This protein is also found in insects and other animals. It has even been discovered in humans. Scientists are therefore trying to find out if a person is sensitive to the recognition of magnetic fields. The results however have not yet been confirmed.
The second theory involves magnetoreception, that is, the ability to move in the Earth’s magnetic field. Magnetoreception has been discovered in some animals. These include sea turtles, crayfish, fish, etc. They can sense and navigate the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, with their own body acting as a compass.
Magnetic mountains
There are a large number of magnetic mountains in the world, where cars or other objects are pulled in the opposite direction than determined by gravity, i.e. uphill. Such gravity deviation roads have become very popular. There are many videos on the Internet of enthusiasts testing the power of magnetic mountains. However, the truth is that this is an optical illusion. Our brain perceives the hill from which the path leads down to be the horizon. Therefore, the car or other object appears to be pulled against gravity.
However, if we look from the angle of the true horizon, we find that the car is actually going downwards according to the law of gravity. Andso magnetic mountains are just an illusion.
In order to experience the power of magnetic mountains for yourself, you do not have to travel outside the borders of Slovakia. We also have one such road: the road from Lipoviec to Lačnov.
To get an idea of how the power of magnetic mountains works:
Author of the cover photo: Dan-Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash
