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Grade 6 Beginner About 10 min Version 1 Awaiting review Premium

Magnetic or non-magnetic?

A magnet 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

  1. Choose a card and bring the magnet close to the object.
  2. Find out what the object is made of.
  3. Place each card in the magnetic or non-magnetic group.