The purpose of this easy experiment is to determine how metals affect a magnetic field.
Things Required:
Aluminium foil
Steel spatula
Bar magnet
4 small paper clips
Directions:
Lay the paper clips on a table and cover them with a sheet of aluminium foil. Set the magnet on the foil over the clips. Raise the magnet and observe any movement of the clips. Position the clips so that they may lie under the spatula. Set the magnet on top of the spatula. Lift the spatula with the magnet and observe any movement of the clips.
This Is What Happens:
The magnet attracts the paper clips through the aluminium foil. The magnet does not attract the paper clips through the steel spatula.
Science Behind It:
The magnetic force field passes through the aluminium, but the steel blade restricts the movement of the force field. The steel blade is attracted to the magnet, but the metal provides another path for the magnetic field. This new path is through and around the steel blade. The steel keeps the lines of force closer to the magnetic field, acting as a barrier to other magnetic materials.
