Most matter is composed of molecules, which are made up of atoms, and atoms consist of a nucleus and electrons. Inside an atom, electrons spin and orbit around the nucleus. Both of these movements produce magnetism. However, in most materials, the directions of electron movement are varied and disorganized, leading to the cancellation of magnetic effects. Consequently, most materials do not exhibit magnetism under normal circumstances.

Iron, cobalt, nickel, or ferrite and other ferromagnetic materials differ, as the electrons within them can spontaneously align within a small range, forming a自发 magnetization region, which is referred to as a magnetic domain.

After magnetization, ferromagnetic materials have their magnetic domains neatly aligned and oriented, which strengthens the magnetism, forming a magnet. The process of a magnet attracting iron is the process of magnetizing the iron block. The magnetized iron block and the magnet are attracted by opposite poles, causing the iron block to firmly adhere to the magnet. We say that the magnet has magnetism.