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Physics · Grades 1–4

What does a magnet attract?

Study guide for Grades 1 to 4: 2 worked examples and 2 practice questions. Test the material, not the colour or size: iron and steel are attracted; wood, plastic, glass, aluminium and copper are not.

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Rule and key idea

Test the material, not the colour or size: iron and steel are attracted; wood, plastic, glass, aluminium and copper are not.

magnets attract iron and steel

Worked examples

Which object will a magnet pull toward it: a cotton sock or an iron nail?

Magnets attract objects that contain iron, such as steel. An iron nail contains iron; a cotton sock does not.

an iron nail

Which object will a magnet pull toward it: a steel safety pin or an aluminium can?

Magnets attract objects that contain iron, such as steel. A steel safety pin contains iron; an aluminium can does not.

a steel safety pin

Try two questions

  1. Which object will a magnet pull toward it: a copper wire or a steel paper clip?

    1. a copper wire
    2. a steel paper clip

  2. Which object will a magnet pull toward it: a cotton sock or an iron bolt?

    1. an iron bolt
    2. a cotton sock

Answers and reasoning

Answers and marking notes
  1. a steel paper clip

    Magnets attract objects that contain iron, such as steel. A steel paper clip contains iron; a copper wire does not.

  2. an iron bolt

    Magnets attract objects that contain iron, such as steel. An iron bolt contains iron; a cotton sock does not.

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