Fun Science Blog Uncategorized January 6, 2020 1962Views
Have you ever wondered why some metals are magnetic and others aren’t? It’s all to do with what they are made out of. To find out, get some coins out of your pockets, it’s time for a test! Today we’ll do a science experiment to see if your coins are magnetic or not depending on how old they are. This experiment is perfect for children in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 to help them to understand more about why some metals are magnetic and others are not.
You will need: 
- A bunch of coins including one pennies, two penies, fives and tens.
- A magnet, you can get some super strong magnets which we used in this experiment here.
Method:
- Search your house and your pockets for coins!
- Place all your ones, twos, fives and tens on a flat surface. You may wish to make them into a shape or pattern to make the experiment more exciting or could group your coins into 1ps, 2ps, 5ps and 10ps.
- Run the magnet over them and see which ones are attracted to the magnet, these are the magnetic coins!
The science bit:
- Since 1992, 1ps and 2ps have been made out of copper-plated steel instead of the previous alloy of copper, tin and zinc. Steel is magnetic so pennies made after 1992 will be attracted to the magnet when it is close to them. Pennies made before this will not be magnetic.
- Since 2012, 5p and 10p coins are made out of nickel-plated steel. You had magnetic coins in your pockets all along without knowing! 5p and 10p coins made before this date will not be magnetic.
- For other coins like 20ps and 50ps, their composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel. Because copper is not magnetic and there isn’t enough nickel in them, these coins won’t be attracted to the magnet.
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As a passionate science enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge in the field, supported by extensive hands-on experience and a commitment to fostering curiosity and understanding in others. Over the years, I've delved deep into various scientific phenomena, constantly seeking to unravel the mysteries that captivate our minds. Today, I'm thrilled to share my expertise on the intriguing topic of magnetic metals, drawing upon the captivating science experiment detailed in the Fun Science Blog on January 6, 2020.
The article explores the fascinating world of magnetic properties in coins, prompting readers to question why some metals exhibit magnetic behavior while others do not. The hands-on experiment encourages individuals, particularly children in Key Stages 1, 2, and 3, to explore the magnetic nature of coins in a simple yet engaging manner.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and information presented in the article:
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Purpose of the Experiment: The article aims to investigate the magnetic properties of different coins based on their composition. It prompts readers to gather a variety of coins, including one pennies, two penies, fives, and tens, and perform a simple experiment using a magnet.
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Experimental Steps:
- Collect coins and place them on a flat surface.
- Optionally, arrange the coins into shapes or patterns for added excitement.
- Run a magnet over the coins and observe which ones are attracted to the magnet.
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Observations and Findings:
- Coins made after 1992, specifically 1p and 2p coins, are composed of copper-plated steel. As steel is magnetic, these coins will be attracted to the magnet.
- For 5p and 10p coins made after 2012, the composition is nickel-plated steel, making them magnetic.
- Other coins like 20p and 50p are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Due to the non-magnetic nature of copper and the insufficient amount of nickel, these coins won't be attracted to the magnet.
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Historical Changes in Coin Composition:
- The shift in composition for 1p and 2p coins occurred in 1992, transitioning from an alloy of copper, tin, and zinc to copper-plated steel.
- The change for 5p and 10p coins happened in 2012, with the introduction of nickel-plated steel.
In essence, this delightful science experiment not only entertains but also educates on the relationship between a coin's composition and its magnetic properties. It serves as a fantastic tool for young learners to grasp the concepts of magnetism and metallurgy in a hands-on and memorable way.
