• Question: Is it possible to make a MAGNETIC metal a magnet (with north and south)? An electromagnet is a NON MAGNETIC metal turning it into a magnetic metal but not a magnet right?

    Asked by anawesomepersonlol to Claire, Sam on 27 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Sam Geen

      Sam Geen answered on 27 Jun 2013:

      Yes – you can make iron magnetic by rubbing it with another magnet. Electromagnets are when the electric field from an electric current makes a magnetic field (electricity and magnetism are very closely linked).

    • Photo: Claire Lee

      Claire Lee answered on 27 Jun 2013:

      Well, a “magnet” is defined as something that has magnetic properties. So when you turn an electromagnet on, it becomes a magnet, by definition.

      But it is a non-permanent magnet, because the magnetic properties disappear once it’s turned off. The things that are stuck to your fridge are permanent magnets.

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