Magnets are created by the natural magnetism of the earth, by temporary electromagnets or by already activated permanent magnets. Store-bought magnetic strips differ from plain-iron strips because they are made with a combination of magentizable and nonmagnetizable material, which allows the strip, once magnetized, to better retain its magnetic properties. While you can purchase hematite, a naturally magnetic stone, for use in the home, many other magnets for the home are artificially magnetized. Eventually, most magnets grow weaker. This happens faster when they are heated. However, there is an easy way to reactivate magnetic strips, or to activate strips that have magnetic potential using another store-bought magnet.
- Strong bar magnet
- Non-magnetic piece of iron, steel or nickel
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Instructions
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1
Hold a strong, already activated bar magnet in one hand.
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2
Hold the first unactivated magnetic strip with the other hand.
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3
Hold one end of the strong bar magnet to one end of the magnetic strip.
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4
Test the magnetism of the magnetic strip against a plain piece of iron, steel or nickel.
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5
Repeat this process for each magnetic strip.
