MAGNETIZED!

	DEFINE IT! What is a magnet, anyway? A magnet is something that has magnetic force. The next question is "What is a magnetic force? A magnetic force is a force that attracts iron and steel. Magnets are materials that attract iron and steel.
	TYPE IT! There are many different types of magnets. Natural magnets occur naturally in nature. The mineral magnetite is a natural magnet. It can attract iron.

 

DO IT! MAKING A MAGNET A temporary magnet is a magnet that has magnetic force for a short time. After a short time, a temporary magnet loses its magnetic force. You can make a temporary magnet.

MATERIALS: This is what you will need... Large nail with a small head (Reminder: Nails are sharp; be careful!) Bar magnet PROCEDURE: This is what you will do. Stroke the nail with one end of a bar magnet. Rub the nail in the same direction each time. Using the other end of the magnet, stroke the opposite end of the nail several times. Slowly move the nail near some lightweight metal objects such as straight pins. Record what happens. Why do you think that some metal objects will not be attracted to magnets? You can magnetize a piece of steel needle by rubbing a magnet in one direction along the needle. This creates a magnetic force in the needle so it acts like a magnet. Soon, however, the needle will loose its magnetic force. You can do the same thing with a paper clip. It also will lose its magnetic force quickly. Try it!!

 

DO IT! Use the Internet to find out how magnets are used to make hydroelectricity (dams).

IT'S PERMANENT Permanent magnets are magnets that keep their magnetic force. The magnets that you used to magnetize the needle or paper clip, the magnet your mother uses to stick things to your refrigerator, and the magnets that engineers use in dams to make electricity are examples of permanent magnets.

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Revised March 1, 2002 by Kathleen Ochsenbein