Question

how do magnets work?

Answer 1

Normally atoms are randomly together in a substance so the magnetic pull of the atoms are in all directions. In a magnet however they are all alined parallel to each other. this causes an area of "north pole" and "south pole" this is also why if you cut a magnet you get 2 magnets not one north magnet and one south magnets (btw they are known as monopoles)

Answer 2

Magnets do work by the properties in them.These properties are positive and negative charges.They are polarised in two parts the North and South poles.For example two magnets A and B, the North pole of A will attract the south pole of B.Likewise the south pole of A will attract the North pole of B.But the North pole of A torches of North pole of B there will be repulsion,likewise South pole to South pole.This explanation brought out the law of magnetism which state that unlike charges attract ,like charges repel.Look for two bar magnets and try this out.