Magnet or Iron?

Most recent answer: 12/26/2016

Q:
Lets say, we have two metal cylinders that exert strong attractive forces on each other. How can we determine, if both metal cylinders are magnets, or if one of them is a magnet and the other just piece of iron?
- Can Mert Ergin (age 17)
Istanbul, Turkey
A:

If they're magnets whether they attract or repel will depend on how they're lined up. If one is just a piece of iron its magnetism automatically lines up to make them attract, regardless of how you turn them.

Mike W.


(published on 12/26/2016)