Does shaking has any effect on a magnet? This is what we are going to find out.
Things Required:
Iron filings
Compass
Magnet
Drinking straw
Modeling clay
Directions:
Fill the straw three-quarters full with iron filings. Use the clay to seal both ends of the straw. Lie the iron-filled straw on the magnet for one minute. Being careful not to shake the straw, pick it up and move it near the compass. Observe any movement of the compass needle. Shake the straw several times, and again hold the straw near the compass. Observe any movement of the compass needle.
This Is What Happens:
The compass needle is attracted to the straw before the straw is shaken, but there is no movement of the compass needle after the straw is shaken.
Science Behind It:
Magnetic materials have magnetic domain; (clusters of atoms that act like tiny magnets) that point in the same direction. The iron filings become magnetized when brought near the magnet because the magnetic domains in the iron filings line up. The compass needle is attracted to the magnetized, iron-filled straw. Shaking the straw rearranges the pieces of iron, causing the magnetic domains in the iron to be randomly arranged. Thus the iron filings lose their magnetic properties.
