Q&A for How to Make a Magnet

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Is a magnet natural or manmade?

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A magnet can be either natural or manmade. In nature, magnetite (also known as lodestone) is a strong, permanent natural form of magnet that was used for centuries in compasses and other objects as a magnet. Other natural magnets are weak (pyrrhotite, ferrite, and columbite), so aren’t of much use as a magnet. Manmade magnets are far more commonplace in everyday use today and come in either temporary or permanent forms.

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Question

How do you magnetize a piece of metal?

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You can magnetize metal with another magnet, by striking it, with a battery or by using special tools. For more help in a detailed way, see How to Magnetize Metal . If you’re using steel, each of these methods is explained in detail here: How to Magnetize Steel .

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Question

Where do magnets originate?

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Magnets can be found in nature (magnetite, also known as lodestone) but most are made by humans.

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Question

How are permanent magnets made?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Permanent magnets are made from ferromagnetic materials (cobalt, nickel, iron, neodymium, etc.) To make these materials magnetic, they are subjected to a magnetic field by using an electric current. This process lines up the electrons (polarization) and they become magnetic. They are called permanent because they don’t lose their magnetic ability after this process, unless subjected to high levels of heat or hammering. This is a very brief explanation, it may be helpful to search for scientific diagrams that show the process visually.

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Question

Can you make a magnet stronger?

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It is possible to make a magnet stronger. One thing to try: Place the weak magnet flat on a horizontal surface; with a stronger magnet, rub or strike the weak magnet in the direction of opposite polarities to try rearranging the electrons in the weak magnet. Then pop the two magnets in the freezer, stuck together and leave for a few hours, to slow down the electrons. Test the strength after the freeze and you may find it’s stronger. Another thing to try: Leave the weak and strong magnets together for several days, opposite poles facing. Hammering and heat can weaken a magnet, so avoid these.

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Question

What captures the iron in a magnate?

Community Answer

The magnetic part of a magnet is actually a common mineral called "magnetite".

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Question

What happens if you overlap when wrapping the copper? Can it be insulated and still work?

Community Answer

The magnetic field may end up a bit less uniform while there's a charge running through it, but it should still work.

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Question

My needle always points the wrong way. What am I doing wrong?

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The needle can be magnetized to face either north or south. Try magnetizing it facing the other direction next time.

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Question

Does it matter if I'm using a rusted nail (it is not working)?

Eera Bhatt

Community Answer

It will not matter, but the problem is probably that your nail is not steel or iron.

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Question

Can I use a sewing needle?

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Yes, as long as it's made of steel rather than aluminum.

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Question

Can the magnetic attraction be increased or decreased in an electromagnet by adding or subtracting electricity?

Community Answer

Yes. You can also use more or fewer coils.

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Question

What can I do if I followed all the steps but it's still not working?

Ethan Peal

Community Answer

Make sure you're using iron or nickle, and also make sure your battery works. Test the battery on something else.

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Question

Can I make a magnet without paperclips?

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You can use any object that can be magnetized, so no, you don't have to use a paperclip.

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Question

Is the last experiment a permanent magnet or magnet for some time?

Community Answer

it is most likely permanent because in the compass, the needle is tiny and yet works so the same thing is happening with your magnet.

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