Chapter 20, Problem 28Q

To determine

To explain: The concept behind the given situation.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The magnet produces magnetic field around it. Magnet pulls other ferromagnetic material like iron, cobalt, nickel.

In ferromagnetic material, magnetic domains are present in the atoms bond to form the material. When magnetic field is absent these domains are randomly placed. Unmagnetized nail not attract the unmagnetized paper clip since both objects domains are randomly placed.

Now, suppose north pole of the magnet is in contact with one end of nail. The end of the nail in contact with the magnet becomes south and other end of the nail becomes north pole. The end of the paper clip which is in contact with nail becomes magnetized. The domains of paper clip are rotated so that their south pole is attracted towards north pole of the nail.

Conclusion:

When nail comes in contact with the magnet, the nail gets magnetized. The paper clip also gets magnetized because of being contact with the magnet. Thus, nail attract paper clip.