Induced magnet

An induced magnet is a magnetic material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field. An initially unmagnetised iron nail brought close to a permanent magnet is an example. The nail temporarily develops a north pole and a south pole, so it is now a magnet too.

An induced magnet forms when a magnetic material is placed in another magnetic field. The material becomes magnetised, developing a north pole and a south pole. For example, bringing the north pole of a permanent magnet near an unmagnetised iron object induces a south pole at the object's nearer end and a north pole at its farther end.