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Q&As since 1989
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Rusting a magnet to show how the formation of rust decreases the magnets strength
Q. My son and I are attempting to put together his first Science Fair project. He is a third grader and wants to prove that rusty magnets are less productive than clean magnets.
We want to take 6 of his magnets and rust them to use in this experiment. They are identical to the magnets that are not rusted.
Our question is, "what is the best way to rust magnets quickly in order to prove his theory that the formation of rust on a magnet will hinder the quality of the magnet".
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
student - Boone, North Carolina
2007
"Driving Force:The Natural Magic of Magnets"
by James D. Livingston
on
AbeBooks
or
Amazon
(affil links)
A. Commercial magnets are frequently made of materials that are not prone to rusting. If you have cheap ones, sand the black oxide coating off with fine sandpaper. Put them outside and spritz with a mixture of salt water and acetic acid [on eBay or Amazon] (vinegar) 1 tablespoon of each per quart of water. Spritz every morning and evening. It will take days.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
2007
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