Atoms make up everything. An atom has protons and neutrons at the center and electrons that fly around them. (See picture below.) The electrons are tiny negative charges smaller than particles. Protons and electrons are both basically magnets themselves. Electrons each have a north and south pole (that's why they are like tiny magnets too) and when all of the electrons line up, all of their south poles go in one direction and all of their north poles go in another direction. Protons are weak magnets and electrons are strong. When electrons (tiny magnets) are facing the same way and they are aligned in something, they are magnetic.
SO:
A metal is magnetic if all of their electrons can and do line up in the same direction.
When electrons are facing the same direction, they can cause an invisible force to form around the magnetic object: a magnetic field. This field has the power to attract other objects or minerals that also have electrons facing the same direction.
Magnetism explained in a video- advanced, but good to see how electrons are like tiny magnets and when facing same direction, they are aligned, so object is magnetic.
There are 4 main magnetic metals:
IRON, NICKLE, STEEL, TIN (and cobalt)
Common misconceptions: Copper is NOT magnetic. Pennies and coins are NOT magnetic. A 5 cent nickel, is not made out of only actual nickel. It is mostly made out of copper and silver, so it is not magnetic.
SO:
A metal is magnetic if all of their electrons can and do line up in the same direction.
When electrons are facing the same direction, they can cause an invisible force to form around the magnetic object: a magnetic field. This field has the power to attract other objects or minerals that also have electrons facing the same direction.
Magnetism explained in a video- advanced, but good to see how electrons are like tiny magnets and when facing same direction, they are aligned, so object is magnetic.
There are 4 main magnetic metals:
IRON, NICKLE, STEEL, TIN (and cobalt)
Common misconceptions: Copper is NOT magnetic. Pennies and coins are NOT magnetic. A 5 cent nickel, is not made out of only actual nickel. It is mostly made out of copper and silver, so it is not magnetic.