Exploring Magnets — Important Questions

Iron nail, Nickel coin, Cobalt metal

Iron, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic materials that are attracted to magnets. Wood, plastic, and glass are non-magnetic materials and are not attracted to magnets.

Iron is a magnetic material, Nickel is a magnetic material, Cobalt is a magnetic material

Iron, nickel, and cobalt are the three main magnetic materials that are strongly attracted to magnets. Wood and plastic are non-magnetic materials.

Ends (poles)

Iron filings stick most at the ends of a bar magnet because magnetic force is strongest at the poles. Very few filings stick to the middle part of the magnet.

Yes, always

Magnetic effects can pass through non-magnetic materials like wood, cardboard, plastic, and glass. This is why a compass needle still deflects even when these materials are placed between the magnet and compass.