Magnetism is a natural phenomenon that has fascinated humans for centuries, so it’s no surprise that people want to if something is magnetic. Testing if a material is magnetic is an essential skill, and there are several ways to do it.
There are four main methods to test if something is magnetic, in this blog we’ll go through each method and explain how to test if your material is magnetic.
Magnet Test
The easiest, simplest, and most basic way of testing if something is magnetic is by using a magnet.
Simply use a magnet and hold it close to the object you are wanting to test, if the object is magnetic it will attract towards the magnet, but if the object is non-magnetic, it will not attract.
Compass Test
Another method of testing if something is magnetic is by using a compass, firstly place the object you are testing on a flat surface and then place the compass close to the object.
If the object is magnetic the compass needle will move and point toward the object, if the object is non-magnetic the compass needle will not move.
Magnetic Susceptibility Test
This method is more scientific and accurate, it measures the magnetic susceptibility of a material. This is the material’s ability to be magnetised when in the presence of a magnetic field.
In order to do this test, you’ll need a magnetic susceptibility meter, that will measure the magnetic field generated by a material when it’s exposed to a magnetic field.
Eddy Current Test
A popular method used if an object is magnetic and also conductive, it works by passing an alternating current through the object you want to test.
If the object is magnetic, it will create eddy currents in the object, which will create a magnetic field opposing that of the coil. This opposition can be measured using a sensor, indicating the object is magnetic.
Summary
Testing if something is magnetic is relatively simple, and there are several methods to choose from.
The magnet and compass tests are the most basic and can be done with household items. However, if you want to be more precise and accurate, the magnetic susceptibility and eddy current tests are better options.
Regardless of the method you choose, always handle magnetic materials with care, as they can be dangerous if mishandled.
