Making magnets by the Touch or Stroke Method

Non-magnetic materials can be magnetized when they are stroked with magnets for some time. This is what is known as magnetization. This is done by;

• Placing a steel bar on the table.

• Use one pole of a bar magnet and make successive strokes on the steel bar in the same direction from one end to the other end.

• Lift the pole of the magnet above the steel bar after each stroke.

• The stroke should be moderate, not hard as it can destroy the bar magnet.

• Bring a magnetic substance near the steel bar and observe what happens.

The magnetic substance is attracted by the steel bar because it has been magnetized.