Induced magnet

An induced magnet begins as a magnetic material, such as an iron nail, and becomes magnetised when placed in a magnetic field.

The nail has become an induced magnet.

The iron then acts as an induced magnet, with its own north and south poles. If the permanent magnet’s north pole faces the iron, the near end of the iron becomes a south pole. Those unlike poles attract, so the iron is pulled towards the magnet.

An induced magnet begins as a magnetic material, such as iron or nickel, and becomes magnetised when placed in another magnet's field. The field induces poles in the material. The end nearest the inducing pole becomes the opposite pole, so induced magnetism causes attraction.