Why Magnets Attract Some Materials
A complete interactive classroom, not just a preview.
Start when you are ready to enter this Stage's 4 scenes and explore, respond, and learn as you go.
- 01The Mystery of AttractionslideSlot 1Hook
Show a magnet attracting a paperclip and not a plastic spoon. Ask why.
- A magnet can pick up a paperclip but not a plastic spoon.
- What makes the paperclip special?
PhenomenonA magnet attracts a paperclip but not a plastic spoon.
QuestionWhy does the magnet attract the paperclip but not the spoon?
- 02Common MisconceptionslideSlot 2Tension
Challenge the idea that all metals are magnetic.
- Many people think magnets attract all metals.
- But they don't attract aluminum cans or copper wires.
- So what's different about iron, nickel, and cobalt?
PredictionMost people predict that any metal object will be attracted to a magnet.
Tempting intuitionAll metals are magnetic because they conduct electricity.
- 03Magnetic Domains in ActioninteractiveSlot 3Reveal
Explore how magnetic domains in ferromagnetic materials align when a magnet is brought near.
- Ferromagnetic materials have tiny regions called magnetic domains.
- Each domain acts like a tiny magnet with a north and south pole.
- When an external magnet is nearby, domains align to create attraction.
EvidenceOnly ferromagnetic materials (iron, nickel, cobalt) show strong attraction; others do not.
ConclusionMaterials are attracted to magnets only if their magnetic domains can align with the field.
Mechanism- 1Ferromagnetic materials contain microscopic magnetic domains with random orientations.
- 2An external magnetic field causes domains to rotate and align, producing a net magnetic field and attraction.
- 04What This MeansslideSlot 4Takeaway
Summarize the rule and apply it to a new situation.
- Magnetic attraction depends on the material's internal structure.
- Only ferromagnetic materials (iron, nickel, cobalt) are strongly attracted.
- Non-ferromagnetic materials lack alignable domains.
TransferIf you find a metal that is not attracted to a magnet, it might be aluminum or copper—materials without alignable domains.
Expected inferenceA metal that sticks to a magnet must contain iron, nickel, or cobalt.
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