Which Materials Are Magnetic? - BBC Bitesize

Home » What Metals Are Not Magnetic » Which Materials Are Magnetic? - BBC Bitesize

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Take a look at all the different magnetic materials in this video.

Video Transcript

Narrator: Ooooh, new magnet? Go on then, let’s see it in action.

Ooooh. Haha, whoops! Does that mean things will be attracted to you now?

Uh oh! Those forks look pointy!

Hey, why aren’t those metal objects attracted to the magnet?

Ah, magnetic materials are always metal, but only a few metals are magnetic.

The forks are made from silver, which is not magnetic, rather than a magnetic metal like iron, steel or nickel.

Well, at least something is attracted to you!

A purple character wearing a gold crown
Image caption, Two metals that aren't magnetic are gold and silver. They are often used for making jewellery, like crowns.

Magnetic metals

Magnetic materials are always made of metal, but not all metals are magnetic.

Iron is magnetic, so any metal with iron in it will be attracted to a magnet. Steel contains iron, so a steel paperclip will be attracted to a magnet too.

Most other metals, for example aluminium, copper and gold, are NOT magnetic.

A purple character wearing a gold crown
Image caption, Two metals that aren't magnetic are gold and silver. They are often used for making jewellery, like crowns.
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