why does a paperclip become an magnet when touched to an magnet?

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why does a paperclip become an magnet when touched to an magnet?

2006-11-21 08:15:10 · 3 answers · asked by brianhaisch 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

3 answers

A paperclip is made out of a metal that has many tiny magnetic dipoles in it (kind of like little magnets). Ordinarily these dipoles are randomly arranged in no particular order so there is not net magnetic field as a result of dipole interaction. However, the magnetic field from the magnet will allign the dipoles all in the same direction. This allignment of magnetic dipoles is what causes the paperclip to become a magnet.

2006-11-21 08:24:04 · answer #1 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋

What he said.

2006-11-21 16:37:26 · answer #2 · answered by raredawn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

DITTO!!!!!!!

2006-11-22 01:50:57 · answer #3 · answered by Ralph T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋