SCI03 · ScienceReels

Magnets are amazing — they attract some objects without even touching them. But not everything is attracted to a magnet. Which objects do magnets pull? Let's find out!

Magnets attract iron and steel. These are the most common magnetic metals. Paper clips are steel. Nails are iron. Both are attracted to magnets!

Here is a surprise: not all metals are attracted to magnets! Aluminum, copper, and gold are metals — but magnets do NOT attract them. And wood, plastic, and rubber are never attracted to magnets.

The magnetic test is simple: hold a magnet near the object. If it pulls toward the magnet — it is magnetic. If nothing happens — it is non-magnetic.

Every magnet has two ends called poles: the North pole (N) and the South pole (S). The poles are the strongest parts of the magnet. And poles determine whether magnets attract or repel each other!

Opposite poles attract — they pull toward each other. North + South = ATTRACT. This is like how the north and south ends of a magnet are naturally pulled together.

Same poles repel — they push away from each other. North + North = REPEL. South + South = REPEL. Have you felt two magnets push each other away? That is repulsion!

The magnet rule is easy to remember: Opposites attract. Same poles repel. N + S = pull together. N + N = push apart. S + S = push apart. And magnets can even work through paper and cardboard!