4 fun experiments with magnets
4 magnet experiments: an easy way to demonstrate a magnetic field in practice
Magnet experiments are a simple and visual way to understand how a magnetic field works, the strength of permanent magnets and the differences between ordinary and neodymium magnets. They are suitable for experiments at home, school lessons and anyone who wants to see magnetism in action.
- You will see what magnetic field lines look like.
- You will test the strength of a neodymium magnet using coins.
- You will make a simple homemade compass.
- You will compare the reach of the magnetic field of different magnets.
- You will gain a better idea of how magnets are used in practice.
Reading the theory of how magnets and magnetic fields work can be interesting, but it is much better to see it with your own eyes. With four playful experiments, you can discover what permanent magnets can do and get a clearer idea of how it all works.
These simple experiments are suitable for children, students, teachers and curious adults. Through practical demonstrations, you will see how magnetic force works, how metal objects behave in a magnetic field and why neodymium magnets are so popular.
What do you need for magnet experiments?
For most experiments, you only need commonly available items such as paper, iron filings, coins, a ruler, a paper clip, a needle, a cork and a container of water. A good-quality magnet is also essential. For clearer results, we recommend using neodymium magnets, which provide high magnetic strength even at small sizes.
Safety when working with magnets
- Keep strong magnets away from mobile phones, computers, payment cards and electronics.
- Do not leave small magnets unattended around young children.
- When handling stronger magnets, take care not to pinch your fingers.
- Always clean up iron filings thoroughly after the experiment.
Visualising a magnetic field
A magnetic field can be represented using field lines. Because we cannot normally see a magnetic field, this experiment is ideal for demonstrating its shape and reach. Prepare a bar magnet, a sheet of paper and iron filings.
Place the magnet underneath the paper and gently sprinkle iron filings on top. The filings will arrange themselves into patterns under the influence of the magnet, resembling magnetic field lines. This makes it easy to see where the magnetic field is strongest and how it spreads around the magnet.
What does this experiment show?
The iron filings form characteristic curves around the magnet. They are usually densest near the poles, where the magnetic field is strongest. This is one of the best experiments for understanding the basics of magnetism.
Neodymium magnet and levitating coins
In the next experiment, you can test the strength of a neodymium magnet. Even a small neodymium magnet can create a surprisingly strong magnetic field and attract metal objects from a greater distance than ordinary magnets.
Prepare a stand, for example from books stacked to the required height and connected at the top with a wooden rod. Place a sufficiently strong neodymium magnet on it. Then gradually position coins containing iron upright and observe whether they stay in place. With a suitable magnet, you can even create an interesting chain of coins that appears to levitate.
This experiment demonstrates that neodymium magnets are among the strongest permanent magnets and that the size of a magnet does not always correspond to its strength.
Making your own compass
You can easily make your own compass using a permanent magnet. This experiment clearly demonstrates that a magnetised metal object responds to the Earth's magnetic field.
Take a cork, a needle and a magnet. Bring the needle close to the magnet and stroke it several times in one direction across its surface to magnetise it. Then move the magnet away and place the needle on the cork floating on water. If the experiment works, the needle will turn approximately in a north–south direction.
Why does the compass work?
The magnetised needle behaves like a small magnet. The Earth has its own magnetic field, so the needle floating on the water turns according to its direction.
Magnetic field range
You can test the strength of a magnet and the range of its magnetic field with a very simple experiment. Take a ruler or measuring tape, a paper clip, a nail or another small metal object and a magnet.
Place the object at the 0 mark on the ruler and begin moving the magnet towards it from the other side. As soon as the magnetic field takes effect and the object is attracted, record the measured distance. This way, you can easily compare several magnets and observe differences in both their strength and range.
Which magnets are best for similar experiments?
Cylindrical neodymium magnets are very suitable for home and school experiments. Their small size makes them easy to handle while still providing enough magnetic strength for clear demonstrations. This allows you to compare the range and strength of magnets of different sizes easily.
Not sure which magnet to choose for experiments?
For ordinary experiments at home or school, we recommend smaller cylindrical neodymium magnets. They are easy to work with, provide high strength and clearly demonstrate the basic principles of magnetism.
Recommended magnets for magnet experiments
Neodymium magnet cylinder dia. 10x2 N 80 °C, VMM7-N42
A small but strong neodymium magnet suitable for basic experiments with magnetic fields, iron filings and small metal objects.
- Compact size
- Strong permanent magnet
- Suitable for school and home use
Neodymium magnet cylinder dia. 10x4 N 80 °C, VMM4-N35
A stronger cylindrical magnet suitable for clearer demonstrations of magnetic force, experiments with coins and comparing magnetic field range.
- Higher magnetic strength
- Suitable for levitating coin experiments
- Small size and wide range of uses
Neodymium magnet cylinder dia. 6x4 N 80 °C, VMM4-N35
A compact neodymium magnet ideal for making a compass, working with small metal objects and simple comparative experiments.
- Easy to handle
- Suitable for magnetising a needle
- Strong despite its small size
If you want to try several experiments, we recommend combining magnets of several different sizes. This makes it easy to compare the strength, range and behaviour of the magnetic field of each version.
What is the difference between a weaker and a stronger magnet?
The difference is mainly reflected in the range of the magnetic field, the attraction force and suitability for a particular experiment. Smaller and thinner magnets are suitable for more delicate demonstrations and magnetising small objects. Stronger versions are better suited for clear experiments with coins, paper clips or comparing their effect over a greater distance.
Frequently asked questions about magnet experiments
Which magnet is best for home experiments?
Smaller neodymium magnets are ideal for most home experiments because they provide high magnetic strength despite their small size and are easy to work with.
Are magnet experiments suitable for children?
Yes, but always under adult supervision. Especially with young children, it is important to prevent small magnets from being swallowed and to ensure safe handling.
Why are some coins not attracted by a magnet?
It depends on the material. A magnet only reacts strongly to ferromagnetic metals, such as iron or alloys containing it. Therefore, not all coins will react to a magnet in the same way.
What is the best way to visualise a magnetic field?
The easiest method is to use paper and iron filings. In a magnetic field, the filings arrange themselves into a pattern that shows the shape of the magnetic field lines.
Why is a neodymium magnet particularly suitable for experiments?
Neodymium magnets provide very high magnetic strength at small sizes, making the results of even simple experiments more pronounced and easier to see.
Summary: why try magnet experiments?
Magnet experiments are simple, fun and highly visual. They help you understand how a magnetic field works, the strength of permanent magnets and the differences between various types of neodymium magnets. If you are looking for suitable magnets for these experiments, small cylindrical neodymium magnets are a practical and affordable choice.
Looking for magnets for experiments and everyday use?
Choose high-quality neodymium magnets that make school and home experiments easy to try.