Are ferrous metals magnetic?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

Ferrous metals are magnetic because they contain iron, and iron exhibits ferromagnetism. In these materials, many tiny magnetic regions called domains align when a magnetic field is applied. This alignment makes the metal attract to magnets and, with a strong enough field, can even magnetize the metal itself. Temperature can affect this, since above the Curie temperature the ferromagnetic order disappears and the material becomes non-magnetic. For everyday ferrous metals like iron and steel, they are magnetic at room temperature, though some alloys (like certain austenitic stainless steels) are only weakly magnetic or not magnetic at all. But overall, the statement is true.