Most matter is composed of molecules, which are made up of atoms, and atoms consist of an atomic nucleus and electrons. Inside an atom, electrons continuously spin and orbit around the atomic nucleus. Both of these movements produce magnetism. However, in most substances, the directions of electron movements are different and chaotic, with the magnetic effects canceling each other out. Therefore, most substances do not exhibit magnetism under normal conditions.

Iron, cobalt, nickel, or ferrite materials differ, as their internal electrons can spontaneously align within a small range, forming a spontaneous magnetization domain known as a magnetic domain.

After magnetization, ferromagnetic materials align their magnetic domains neatly and uniformly, enhancing the magnetic properties, thereby forming a magnet. The process of attracting iron with a magnet is the process of magnetizing the iron block. The magnetized iron block and the magnet attract each other due to opposite poles, causing the iron block to adhere firmly to the magnet. We say the magnet has magnetic properties.