Let's Master the Wonders of Magnets!

Hello everyone! We use "magnets" all the time—to stick notes on the fridge or to make sure our pencil cases snap shut. They are very familiar objects, but they actually hide a lot of mysterious powers.
In this chapter, we'll have fun learning about what magnets stick to and the rules they follow! It might feel a little tricky at first, but if you recall the results of our experiments, you'll be just fine. Are you ready?

1. What Magnets Attract and What They Don't

When you bring a magnet close to various objects, some will snap onto it, while others won't react at all. Let's figure out the difference!

【Point】Magnets Love "Iron"!

The magical material that magnets can attract is "iron".
Let's check it using things around us.

  • Things magnets attract: Nails, paper clips, steel cans, scissor blades, etc.
  • Things magnets do not attract: 1-yen coins (aluminum), 10-yen coins (copper), plastic, paper, wood, glass, etc.

Common Mistake (Watch out!)

It’s easy to think "everything metallic sticks to magnets," but that's a mistake!
Example: Aluminum foil and 10-yen coins are metals, but they don't stick to magnets. Remember that, basically, only things made of iron will stick to a magnet.

【Summary】Magnet Property #1

Magnets attract iron. (They do not attract other metals, wood, plastic, etc.)

2. The "Poles" of a Magnet and Magnetic Strength

A magnet doesn't attract iron with the same strength everywhere. In fact, there are specific places where the force is strongest.

What are the "Poles"?

The areas at both ends of a magnet where the force is especially strong are called "poles". A bar magnet has two poles.

  • N-pole: Usually colored red.
  • S-pole: Usually colored blue or black.

Where is it strongest?

If you bring a bunch of paper clips toward a bar magnet, you'll see they stick mostly to the ends. Not many will stick to the middle. This shows that the "poles (the ends) have the strongest force."

【Fun Fact】What happens if you cut a magnet in half?

What do you think happens if you snap a bar magnet in two? Does it become an "N-only magnet" and an "S-only magnet"?
The answer is… new poles form at the cut, and you get two smaller magnets, each with both an N and an S pole! No matter how small you cut a magnet, it always keeps the mysterious property of having a pair of N and S poles.

【Summary】Magnet Property #2

The force attracting iron is strongest at both ends (the poles) of a magnet.

3. Attractive and Repulsive Forces Between Poles

Have you noticed that the feeling changes when you bring two magnets together? There is a set rule for this.

When they attract (stick together)

When you bring different types of poles together, they strongly attract and stick.
・"N-pole" and "S-pole" → Attract each other

When they repel (push away)

When you bring the same type of poles together, they are pushed back by an invisible force. This is called "repulsion."
・"N-pole" and "N-pole" → Repel each other
・"S-pole" and "S-pole" → Repel each other

【Memory Trick】

Just remember: "Magnets like someone different from themselves!" Imagine they get into an argument and push away if they are the same type.

【Summary】Magnet Property #3

Like poles repel, and opposite poles attract.

4. The Mysterious Power of Magnets

Magnetic force works even without direct contact. Once you know this, you can even play magic-like tricks!

What if there’s something in between?

Even if there is paper, a plastic sheet, or water between the magnet and the iron, the magnetic force can pass through them to attract the iron.
Example: Move a magnet underneath a desk to make a paper clip on top of the desk "walk."

What if they are separated by distance?

When you slowly bring a magnet toward iron, it will "snap" onto it once it gets within a certain distance. This is proof that magnetic force works through space.

【Summary】Magnet Property #4

Magnetic force works even through objects or when separated by distance.

5. How to Make Iron Magnetic (Magnetization)

Finally, let's introduce the magic of turning an ordinary iron nail into a "magnet."

【Steps】How to make a magnet

1. Get one iron nail.
2. Touch one pole of a magnet (e.g., the N-pole) to the nail and stroke it repeatedly in the same direction.
3. The nail will then be able to pick up small paper clips!

When iron gains the properties of a magnet like this, we call it "magnetization."

Common Mistake (Watch out!)

If you stroke back and forth (reciprocating), it’s hard for it to become a magnet. The key is to always stroke in "one direction only"!

Conclusion: Reviewing the Key Points

Let's review what we learned with these three points!

① Magnets strongly attract "iron"!
② Poles (N and S) repel if they are the same, and attract if they are different!
③ Magnetic force works even at a distance or through other objects!

Once you understand the properties of magnets, you can solve more interesting mysteries, like why a compass always points North. For now, go explore the things around you with a magnet and aim to become an "Iron Master"!