The Magnetic Attraction of an Iron Nail

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

An iron nail is consistently attracted to a bar magnet due to the alignment of its magnetic domains when exposed to the magnetic field. The nail itself is not a magnet; its internal dipoles are initially disordered. When a magnet approaches, the external magnetic field causes these dipoles to align, resulting in a net attraction. This phenomenon is similar to the attraction between a neutral object and a charged object, where induced polarization occurs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic domains and their behavior
  • Basic principles of magnetism and magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of induced polarization in materials
  • Familiarity with the concept of dipoles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of magnetic domain alignment in ferromagnetic materials
  • Explore the principles of induced polarization in neutral objects
  • Learn about the differences between permanent magnets and temporary magnets
  • Investigate the applications of magnetism in everyday materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching magnetism, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of magnetism and its applications.

cragar
Messages
2,546
Reaction score
3
Why does an iron nail always get attracted to a bar magnet? You think one side would attract it and on side would repel it, Is this because When I bring the magnet close to the nail does it causes the domains to flip so it attracts it, Is this similar to why a neutral object gets attracted to a charged object.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
cragar said:
Why does an iron nail always get attracted to a bar magnet? You think one side would attract it and on side would repel it,
That's what wouldhappen if the nail were a magnet, i.e. all its little poles were aligned. There no reason for one end of the nail to repel, since it little poles are not all oriented.
 
then why is it attracted in the first place. If its little dipoles are all random.
 

Similar threads

High School Why does a magnet attract metal objects?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Why does a magnet do work on a flying nail?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnetism: Same Pole Repulsion & Heteropolar Attraction
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
High School Magnetic attraction force Question
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Magnet inside a solenoid with current
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Magnet's attraction force on a piece of iron
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Is this analogy between Magnetic Force and Gravitational Force accurate in helping to understand what contributes more to a stronger magnetic force?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Can we use a permanent magnet and a copper rod to create an electret?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
High School Calculating Force on an Iron Object with Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
High School Is there a type of powder that can attach to iron objects like a magnet?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K