Why Do Magnets Pick Up Only Some Metals?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do magnets pick up only some metals?

The Big Idea

A magnet has an invisible field around it. Some metals have tiny mini-magnets inside that can line up with that field. Those metals jump to the magnet. Other metals stay put! Let's find out how it works, in three easy steps!

Step 1

Step one: the field reaches out! Invisible lines of force stretch out from the magnet's north and south poles. You can't see it, but you can feel it.

Step 2

Step two: some atoms line up! Iron, nickel, and cobalt can line up their tiny mini-magnets, and the lined-up bits tug toward the magnet. That's why a fridge magnet grabs a steel door.

Step 3

Step three: steel jumps, but copper stays! A steel paper clip flies to the pole. But a copper penny has no lining-up trick, so it just sits there. Cool, right? Knowing the parts helps us understand the whole idea.

A Closer Look

Let's look at a magnet and some things to test! A magnet has a north pole and a south pole. A steel clip jumps to the magnet. But a copper coin stays where it is. Every part has an important job to do!

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Stainless steel is a mixed bag. Some kinds stick, and some barely do. Heat can scramble a magnet's line-up and weaken it. Opposite poles attract, and the same poles push apart. Keep magnets away from credit cards and small batteries. And never swallow them! Wow, those are some amazing facts to share with your friends!

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Test a fridge magnet on a spoon, a penny, foil, and a key, with a grown-up. Which objects move? What family of metals did the winners share? Write down what you find! Scientists always write down what they see. Have fun!

Outro

Magnets are picky, and now you know why! Keep on wondering! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!