What Types of Metal are Attracted to Magnets?

Something is considered magnetic when it can either attract or repel other magnetic objects. Magnets are characterized by their atomic composition, with their electrons aligning so that the positive electrons point in one direction, and the negative electrons point in the opposite direction. Most metals contain some level of magnetism, however they vary in strength.

Types of Magnets

Paperclips are an example of a temporary magnet. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Brandon Baunach

There are two general types of magnets: permanent magnets which, once magnetized, retain a level of magnetism, and temporary magnets which exhibit permanent magnetic qualities when they are within a strong magnetic field.

Classes of Magnets

Magnets are placed in four different classes, all of which exhibit different characteristics. The four primary metals used to compose permanent magnets are: Neodymium Iron Boron, Samarium Cobalt, Alnico, and Ferrite.

Coins

Older copper pennies are magnetic. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lawrence

Older US pennies, or Canadian, English, Chinese, Japanese, and German coins contain a high percentage of pure metals. Coins containing high levels of copper, silver, or nickel are attracted to magnets.

Iron

Many screws and hardware are magnetic. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Douglas Heriot

Iron and steel products such as nails, screws, kitchen sinks and cutlery are attracted to permanent magnets.

Brass & Bronze

Brass fixtures are magnetic. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ben Zvan

Brass and bronze items that are attracted to magnets include house fixtures such as kick-plates or special screws.

Magnetizing & Demagnetizing Objects

To temporarily magnetize a metal object, strike or stroke it with a magnet, or conduct an electric current through it. To demagnetize a temporary magnet, drop the metal onto a non-metalic surface, such as a linoleum floor.

References

• Magnets
• Magnet Classes
• Ceramic Magnets

Resources

• Magnetic Metals