Magnets attract some metals — Physics, 4–6 years
Discover how a magnet can pull some objects without touching them. Physics, 4–6 years.
Idea
A magnet can pull certain objects towards itself, even when there is a small gap between them. Iron and steel usually respond, but wood, paper and glass do not. The magnet is acting without a visible string.
Why
People needed a way to find metal pieces, close a door, or hold two parts together without glue. Long ago, they noticed that some natural stones pulled iron and that a floating magnet could point north. Magnets became useful tools because they solve these small problems.
Try it
Place a magnet beside a paper clip, a wooden block and an aluminium spoon. The paper clip moves towards the magnet, while the wood and spoon stay still. Now put a sheet of paper between the magnet and clip: the clip can still move, because paper does not stop the magnetic pull.
Common mix-up
It is easy to think that every metal will stick to a magnet, because iron objects often look like other shiny metals. But a copper coin, an aluminium can and a steel paper clip can behave differently. The safe way to know is to test the object, not just look at it.
Where it helps
A magnetic clasp can keep a bag closed, and a magnet can hold a drawing on a fridge. A compass uses a small magnet to point roughly north, helping people find direction. Recycling machines also use strong magnets to remove some steel from mixed rubbish.
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