What role do electrons play in magnetism?

Electrons play a crucial role in magnetism primarily due to their intrinsic property known as spin. When electrons spin in a certain direction, they generate a magnetic moment, which contributes to the magnetism of materials. In many substances, especially those categorized as ferromagnetic, the alignment of the spins of many electrons can lead to strong magnetic fields, resulting in the attraction or repulsion of other magnetic materials.

The behavior of electrons and their spins not only determines whether a material can be magnetized but also influences how strong that magnetism can be. This concept is fundamental to understanding how magnets work and why some materials exhibit magnetic properties whereas others do not.

In contrast, the notion that electrons have no effect on magnetism, that they create magnetic fields only when at rest, or that they determine the temperature of magnets does not accurately capture the relationship between electron behavior and magnetic phenomena. Electrons in motion, particularly as they spin, are integral to the creation of magnetic fields, making the phenomenon of magnetism a direct consequence of their properties.