Can Hitting Metal Make it Magnetic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of metal becoming magnetic after being struck, specifically using a screwdriver as an example. Participants explore the mechanisms behind this effect, including potential alignment with magnetic fields and the influence of vibrations on magnetic domains. The conversation touches on both theoretical and practical aspects of magnetization through physical impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes observing a screwdriver becoming magnetic after being hit with a hammer, raising the question of why this occurs.
  • Another participant suggests that the hammer itself might be magnetized, questioning the validity of the initial observation.
  • A different participant proposes that aligning the metal with magnetic north and the vibrations from hitting it may cause the magnetic domains to realign, though they note that the effect is weak.
  • Some participants express surprise and curiosity about the phenomenon, indicating a willingness to learn from each other’s contributions.
  • A participant references research articles related to "work hardening," "plastic deformation," and magnetization, indicating a search for more information on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms behind the magnetization of metal when struck. While some suggest a plausible explanation involving magnetic domain alignment, others question the observations and propose alternative explanations. No consensus is reached regarding the underlying processes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks a clear consensus on the definitions and mechanisms of magnetization in this context, and the assumptions behind the observations are not fully explored. The references to research articles indicate a potential gap in accessible information on the topic.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the properties of magnetism, the effects of physical manipulation on materials, and the underlying physics of magnetization processes.

Th3Proj3ct
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If you take a screwdriver for example, and hit it a few times near the tip with a hammer or something hard; why does the screwdriver become magnetic?
I was shown someone doing this, and shortly afterwards it was able to attract nails or screws around.
 
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I've never seen this. Maybe the head of the hammer was magnetized. If anything, hitting a magnetized object generally weakens it magnetization.
 
Actually, we used to do it once in a while just for fun. The metal rod or whatever has to be aligned with magnetic north. It seems that the vibrations loosen up the magnetic domains enough that they react to the Earth's field and turn around. The effect is very weak, though.
 
Danger said:
Actually, we used to do it once in a while just for fun. The metal rod or whatever has to be aligned with magnetic north. It seems that the vibrations loosen up the magnetic domains enough that they react to the Earth's field and turn around. The effect is very weak, though.

Ahh, interesting. Thanks for that Danger! I would have never thought of that. Learn something new every dang day here on the PF!
 
Wow... I never thought that I'd get one over on you, especially in this area. :bugeye:
 
Danger said:
Wow... I never thought that I'd get one over on you, especially in this area. :bugeye:

:smile: Pppffffttttt! They don't call you Danger for nothing! :biggrin:
 
Th3Proj3ct said:
If you take a screwdriver for example, and hit it a few times near the tip with a hammer or something hard; why does the screwdriver become magnetic?
I was shown someone doing this, and shortly afterwards it was able to attract nails or screws around.

Searches using "work hardening", "plastic deformation" and magnetization did yield a large number of articles, for example:

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel5/20/19613/00908685.pdf?arnumber=908685

But I could locate a clear discussion of the subject.
 

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