How to Heat a Magnet Easily

Heating a magnetic material can cause the magnet to lose its magnetic properties in addition to allowing it to become more malleable. Cooking oils can maintain high levels of heat and are readily available at all major retail outlets. Peanut and Canola oils have smoke points between 231 -- 238 degrees Celsius and can maintain heat levels for extended periods of time without reaching a flash or fire point. If you know the composition of the magnet, heating the magnet to its Ferromagnetic Curie Temperature will cause it to lose all magnetic properties.

Things You'll Need

• Cast iron pot
• Magnets
• Tongs
• Oil thermometer
• Peanut or canola oil
• Eye goggles
• Heat-resistant gloves

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Put on eye goggles and safety gloves to prevent any potential injuries from heating the oil.

   • 2

     Fill the cast iron pot half-full and insert the oil thermometer into the oil.

   • 3

     Heat the oil on medium-high heat until the oil thermometer reads 200 C. Lower the heat to maintain a 200 Celsius oil temperature.

   • 4

     Insert the magnet slowly into the heated oil with the tongs.

   • 5

     Heat the magnet according to the specifications of the experiment that you are performing.

   • 6

     Remove the magnet with the tongs and place it on a heat-resistant surface.