Chapter 36, Problem 32A

To determine

Whether a paper clip exerts force on strong magnet.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: 

A paper clip is made of steel and an alloy of iron and carbon that is attracted to the magnet but it has low retaining ability to keep up the magnetism. 

Explanation: 

A strong magnet can attract a paper clip with a certain force and the paper clip exerts a force on a strong magnet due to Newton’s third law. 

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction which implies that the paper clip exerts the same force as that exerted by the strong magnet. 

The force exerted by the paper clip does not move the magnet because of the mass of the magnet being larger. 

Conclusion: 

The paper clip exerts the same force as that of the magnet.