What do permanent magnets do?

Permanent magnets produce their own magnetic fields due to the alignment of magnetic domains within the material. In a permanent magnet, these domains, which are small regions where groups of atoms have their magnetic moments aligned in a uniform direction, remain aligned even when no external magnetic field is applied. This intrinsic property allows permanent magnets to maintain their magnetism over a long period.

When discussing the other options, it's important to note that while some materials can be demagnetized and become inactive, a permanent magnet's magnetic field does not depend on external influences to remain active. Furthermore, permanent magnets do not require an external magnetic field to function; they generate their own. Lastly, they do not utilize electric current to produce magnetism; they rely on the atomic structure of the material itself.