Fun Science Blog Uncategorized January 6, 2020 1951Views
Have you ever wondered why some metals are magnetic and others aren’t? It’s all to do with what they are made out of. To find out, get some coins out of your pockets, it’s time for a test! Today we’ll do a science experiment to see if your coins are magnetic or not depending on how old they are. This experiment is perfect for children in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 to help them to understand more about why some metals are magnetic and others are not.
You will need: 
- A bunch of coins including one pennies, two penies, fives and tens.
- A magnet, you can get some super strong magnets which we used in this experiment here.
Method:
- Search your house and your pockets for coins!
- Place all your ones, twos, fives and tens on a flat surface. You may wish to make them into a shape or pattern to make the experiment more exciting or could group your coins into 1ps, 2ps, 5ps and 10ps.
- Run the magnet over them and see which ones are attracted to the magnet, these are the magnetic coins!
The science bit:
- Since 1992, 1ps and 2ps have been made out of copper-plated steel instead of the previous alloy of copper, tin and zinc. Steel is magnetic so pennies made after 1992 will be attracted to the magnet when it is close to them. Pennies made before this will not be magnetic.
- Since 2012, 5p and 10p coins are made out of nickel-plated steel. You had magnetic coins in your pockets all along without knowing! 5p and 10p coins made before this date will not be magnetic.
- For other coins like 20ps and 50ps, their composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel. Because copper is not magnetic and there isn’t enough nickel in them, these coins won’t be attracted to the magnet.
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I'd be happy to delve into the concepts behind the article on magnetic coins and the science experiment involved. The piece explores the magnetic properties of different coins based on their composition, particularly focusing on the changes in materials used over time.
The experiment itself highlights the use of a magnet to differentiate between coins that are attracted to it and those that are not. The key scientific principles at play here revolve around the magnetic properties of various metals and their alloys.
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Magnetic Properties: Metals can be classified into three groups based on their magnetic properties: ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets strongly), paramagnetic (weakly attracted), and diamagnetic (repelled by magnets). In this experiment, the focus is on ferromagnetism.
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Coin Composition: Different coins are made from various metal compositions, and their magnetic behavior changes accordingly. For instance:
- 1p and 2p Coins: Coins made after 1992 are magnetic because they are composed of copper-plated steel, which is magnetic. Pre-1992 pennies, made from a copper alloy, are not magnetic.
- 5p and 10p Coins: Coins made after 2012 are magnetic due to being nickel-plated steel. Previous versions, made before 2012, are not magnetic.
- 20p and 50p Coins: These contain 75% copper and 25% nickel. As copper is not magnetic and the nickel content is insufficient, these coins aren't attracted to the magnet.
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Magnetism and Alloys: Understanding how different metals interact and the magnetic properties of their alloys is fundamental here. For example, steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, exhibits ferromagnetic properties due to its iron content.
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Magnetic Field Interaction: The experiment showcases the interaction between the magnetic field of the magnet and the materials in the coins. When the magnet passes over the coins, it induces a magnetic field in the ferromagnetic materials, leading to attraction.
This experiment serves as an engaging way for children in Key Stages 1, 2, and 3 to grasp the concepts of magnetism, metal composition, and how they relate to the coins we use daily. Understanding the properties of materials and how they respond to magnetic fields is crucial not just in coinage but in various technological and industrial applications as well.
