Why Can a Magnet Work Through Paper, Water, and Even Your Hand?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can a magnet work through paper, water, and even your hand?

The Big Idea

A magnetic field passes right through most things that are not magnetic. That includes paper, plastic, wood, glass, water, and even your skin. Let's find out how a magnet can work through them!

Not Magnetic, Not Blocking

Step one: they do not block it. Paper, plastic, wood, glass, water, and skin are not magnetic. They do not block a magnetic field, so it slips right through them.

Magnet Under the Table

Step two: move things from below. A magnet under a table can slide a paper clip on top. The field reaches up through the tabletop to pull the clip along.

Thick Layers Weaken

Step three: thick layers weaken it. A fridge magnet can hold a sheet of paper to the door, because the paper is thin. Thick layers put more distance between the magnet and the metal, so the pull gets a little weaker.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Here is the magnet. The field passes through paper. It passes through water. It even passes through your hand.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A magnet under a table can slide a clip along. A fridge magnet holds paper to the door. Magnets inside a sealed toy can move parts on the other side of the plastic. Thick layers weaken the pull a little.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a paper clip on a sheet of paper. Hold a magnet underneath and slide it around. Then try a thin plastic plate. Then try a thin cardboard tray. Write down what you notice, and share it with a grown-up.

Outro

A magnetic field passes through paper, plastic, water, and skin, so magnets can work through them. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!