Physics
Magnetism
Class 6
Beginner
About 10 min
Premium
Magnetic or non-magnetic?
Test everyday objects with a magnet, find out what they are made of, and sort them into magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
Core concept
In short: Test objects with a magnet: only some metals stick to it.
Magnets attract iron, steel, nickel and cobalt; most other materials, including most metals, are non-magnetic
Topic: Magnetism
A magnet: An object that pulls iron and steel towards it. All key words attracts some materials. These are called magnetic materials: iron, steel (which is mostly iron), nickel and cobalt. Most other materials are non-magnetic, and that includes most metals, such as aluminium, copper, brass, gold and silver. So "it is a metal" does not mean "it is magnetic": you have to test it.
What you will learn
- Test materials with a magnet.
- Name the magnetic materials.
- Explain that not all metals are magnetic.
Before you start
- Know that a magnet can pull some objects towards it.
Materials
- Iron nail, steel spoon, steel paper clip, iron filings, steel bottle cap, aluminium can, copper wire, brass key, gold ring, plastic ruler, wooden pencil, rubber eraser, glass marble
Equipment
- Bar magnet
Procedure
- Choose a card and bring the magnet close to the object.
- Find out what the object is made of.
- Place each card in the magnetic or non-magnetic group.