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Name: Tim M.
Status: educator
Grade: 6-8
Country: USA
Date: Spring 2012
Question:
Without being a magnet itself, what metal will a magnet be most attracted to? I would like to show my students different types of metals and how some are the least magnetic and some of them are more magnetic.
Replies:
Tim:

Amongst easily found materials, soft Iron seems to be the best with different kinds of steels coming next. Non-ferrous (no iron) metals like copper and aluminum are not attracted at all.

I am reminded of an old demonstration using Total or a similar “adult” cereal. You put cereal in the bowl, add water (or milk) and stir until the cereal is no longer in flakes. You then run a magnet through the glop and small iron particles will cling to the magnet.

Hope this helps. R. W. Avakian

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