Chapter 7.1, Problem 6R

To determine

To explain: Amagnet sticks to the refrigerator.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In a magnetic material, the magnetic poles of a group of atoms, point in the same direction. These groups of atoms are called magnetic domain.

The metal in the refrigerator is a magnetic material. It has a magnetic domain but the poles of the domain point in different directions. When a magnet is brought close to a refrigerator, the magnet induces a magnetic field. The domains of the material in the refrigerator align in the direction of the magnetic field. Hence, the refrigerator now acts as a magnet enabling the magnet to stick on it.

Conclusion:

The magnet sticks to the fridge due to its magnetic field.