Science 4th grade | UNIT 5: Electricity and magnetism | 5.10 Which metals are magnetic?
Some metals are precious, such as silver, gold and platinum. These metals are expensive. Metals that we use in everyday life are iron, steel, aluminium, copper and chromium. Often things are made from a mixture of metals. A mixture of metals is called an alloy.
Iron is used to make machines and cast iron cooking pots.
Steel is an alloy made mainly from iron. It is much stronger than iron. We use steel to make machines, steel pipes and bridges.
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Aluminium is light in weight and does not rust. We use aluminium to make pans for cooking, aluminium foil and to build aeroplanes. Cans for cold drinks are also made of aluminium.
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Chromium is mixed with steel to make an alloy called stainless steel. Stainless steel does not rust. It has many uses such as knives, sinks and medical instruments.
Copper is used to make electric cables and wires.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. We use brass to make door handles.
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Activity 5.10 (Are all metals magnetic?)
You will need: a magnet - a selection of things made from different metals
Predict which objects you think will be magnetic.
Test your prediction. Hold the magnet next to each of the metal objects. Observe whether the metal is magnetic or not.
Record your results in a table.
Questions
1) Name two magnetic metals.
2) Name two non-magnetic metals.
3) Give three examples of things you use at home that are made of metals. Which metals are they made from? Are these things magnetic or not?
4) How does the magnet seperate iron and steel from other metals?
