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Domain theory suggests that small pockets of atoms (domains) in the nail are initially randomly and chaotically aligned (making it non-magnetic). But in a strong magnetic field the domains are forced to align, if the field is strong enough they will stay like that for some time. There are differing theories about why the domains make it magnetic I think the accepted one is that the electrons in each atom of iron in a domain are spinning the same way, and when all the electrons in the nail are spinning the same way it makes the whole thing magnetic.

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14y ago

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What happens when a nail is placed near a magnet?

When a nail is placed near a magnet, it can become magnetized due to the magnetic field of the magnet. The magnet induces a magnetic alignment in the nail's iron atoms, causing the nail to exhibit its own magnetic properties. If the magnet is strong enough, the nail may even be attracted to the magnet, demonstrating the principle of magnetism in ferromagnetic materials. Once removed from the magnetic field, the nail may retain some magnetization but will generally lose most of it over time.


How can a magnet be demagnetized using another magnet?

When a magnet is exposed to a strong magnetic field from another magnet, the alignment of its magnetic domains can be disrupted, causing it to lose its magnetism and become demagnetized.


An iron nail that comes in contact with a strong magnet may become a magnet itself because of what?

The iron nail becomes a magnet itself when it comes in contact with a strong magnet due to a process called induction. The magnetic field of the strong magnet aligns the magnetic domains within the iron nail, causing it to also exhibit magnetic properties.


How can a magnet be temporarily magnetized when attached to a permanent magnet?

When a magnet is attached to a permanent magnet, it can become temporarily magnetized by aligning its magnetic domains with the strong magnetic field of the permanent magnet. This alignment causes the magnet to exhibit magnetic properties for a short period of time.


When do non-magnetic materials become attracted to magnets?

Non-magnetic materials become attracted to magnets when they are placed in a strong magnetic field.


How can a magnet become demagnetized?

A magnet can become demagnetized by exposure to high temperatures, strong magnetic fields, or physical impacts that disrupt the alignment of its magnetic domains. These factors can cause the magnetic domains to lose alignment, weakening or eliminating the magnet's magnetic field.


Why might a permanent magnet become unmagnetized if it is dropped?

Dropping a permanent magnet can cause the magnetic domains within the material to become misaligned, reducing its overall magnetic field strength. This process can demagnetize the magnet if it is subjected to a strong enough impact.


How can metal become a temporary magnet?

Metal can become a temporary magnet when it is placed near a strong external magnetic field, aligning its domains in the same direction as the field. Once the external field is removed, the alignment of the domains gradually returns to their original random state, causing the metal to lose its magnetism.


How does magnetic material become a magnet?

A magnetic material becomes a magnet when its magnetic domains align in the same direction, creating a net magnetic field. This alignment can be induced by placing the material in a strong external magnetic field or by rubbing it against an existing magnet. This results in the material exhibiting magnetic properties itself, attracting or repelling other magnetic materials.


How can a non magnetic nail be magnetised?

Typically you can magnetize iron or steel by exposing it to a strong magnetic field. Common "ceramic" magnets may not be strong enough, but you may need a strong rare earth magnet or a strong electro magnet.


What is the process that causes a magnet to lose its magnetic properties, specifically, what demagnetizes a magnet?

Demagnetization of a magnet occurs when the magnetic domains within the material become disordered, causing the overall magnetic field to weaken or disappear. This can happen due to factors such as exposure to high temperatures, physical shock, or exposure to strong external magnetic fields.


At the centre of a bar magnet magnetism is?

At the center of a bar magnet, the magnetic field lines converge and form a strong magnetic field. This region is referred to as the magnetic core of the magnet, where the magnetic strength is at its maximum. This is why the bar magnet's strongest magnetic force is typically concentrated in its center.