Book 21, Question 26
Is All Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Is stainless steel always magnetic? No! Stainless steel is iron mixed with chromium and sometimes nickel. Recyclers use magnets to help sort different types of steel.
More fun facts
- Stainless steel is mostly iron, with chromium to stop rust.
- Not all stainless steel is magnetic.
- Ferritic stainless steels usually are magnetic.
- Austenitic steels, like the common Type 304, usually are not.
- The difference comes from how the steel's atoms are arranged.
Sources: Scientific American
Questions kids ask
Why doesn't a magnet stick to some stainless steel?
It depends on how the steel's atoms are arranged. Common Type 304 steel usually is not magnetic.