Magnets are useful tools for DIY projects and crafts. They also make fun science experiments! Whether you’re learning about magnetism or experimenting with different types of magnets for a project, check out these five experiments and demonstrations from our YouTube channel:
Levitating Ring Magnets
You can demonstrate magnetic levitation and repulsion using rare earth magnets like in this video. All you need is a pencil and some 3/4” x 5/16” x 3/16” neodymium ring magnets.Then you slide the magnets onto the pencil with the pole of one magnet facing the same pole of the other magnet. If you have the magnets positioned correctly, they shouldn’t touch. In fact, they should repel away from each other and levitate along the pencil. Check out the video for another magnetic levitation experiment:
Plastic and Metal Magnet Coatings
While neodymium magnets have powerful magnetic properties, they can be fragile and are prone to rust. To make the magnets more durable, they’re frequently coated with plastic or metal. A thin nickel coating is common because of nickel’s magnetic properties. Find out how plastic and metal coatings measure up in this video:
Hook Magnet Placement
Hook magnets have a variety of uses because of their tremendous holding power. You can buy a range of sizes capable of holding 12 lbs up to 200 lbs. In this video, we demonstrate how effective hook magnets are based on vertical and horizontal placement. Check it out:
Magnetic Putty
Magnetic putty comes alive when under the influence of a magnetic field. Check out these time-lapse videos of magnetic putty consuming magnets:
Magnets and Iron Filings
Magnets and iron filings are useful tools when demonstrating lines of magnetic force. Iron filings arrange themselves into cool sculptures when near a magnetic field. If you want to avoid the messiness of iron filings, you can use iron filings sealed in plastic to demonstrate magnetism. What is your favorite magnetic science experiment?
