Magnetic Induction: How Does a Nail Become Magnetized When Touched by a Magnet?

What happens when the head of an iron nail touches a magnet?

Does the iron nail become magnetized?

When the head of an iron nail touches a magnet, the nail becomes magnetized.

What kind of pole is at the head of the nail when it touches the north pole of the magnet?

When the head of an iron nail touches the north pole of a magnet, it becomes magnetized through a process called magnetic induction. The part of the nail that comes in contact with the north pole of the magnet acquires the opposite magnetic polarity. As a result, the head of the nail develops a south magnetic pole.

The reason for this is that opposite magnetic poles attract each other, while similar poles repel. Therefore, for the iron nail to be attracted to the north pole of the magnet, it must develop a south pole at the point of contact.