Magnets attract some metals — Science, 4–6 years
A magnet can pull some objects without touching them. It attracts materials such as iron and steel, but many other metals, wood, plastic and paper are not attracted.
Idea
A magnet has a force that can act from a short distance. It pulls some iron or steel objects towards itself. The pull does not work on everything, so an object must be tested rather than judged by its shiny appearance.
Why it matters
People noticed that a special stone could pull iron, then wanted to know which objects would respond. Testing different materials separated a real pattern from a guess. This lets us use magnets without assuming that every metal will stick.
Try it
Test four objects with a magnet: a steel paper clip, a wooden pencil, a plastic brick and an aluminium spoon. The magnet pulls the paper clip, but not the other three. One shiny object works, while two non-wood objects do not.
A common mix-up
It is easy to think that every metal is attracted, because magnets are often shown with metal objects. The word “metal” names a large group, not one material. Iron and steel usually respond, while aluminium, copper and gold do not.
Outside school
Magnets help a cupboard door stay closed and let a compass point in a useful direction. In recycling centres, strong magnets separate iron and steel from other rubbish. Speakers and some motors also use magnetic forces to move parts.
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